For patients, talking about substance use can be easier when you trust your provider and when the provider understands you. Screening may assist a provider in identifying a patient’s risky use of substances.
Pregnant people are more likely to be screened for substance use because of the possible health risks to the pregnant person and the baby. Screening helps the patient and their doctor decide on the next steps they can take to get the help the patient needs.
Medication Assisted Detox involves slowly reducing the amount of unsafe substance(s) you take. It helps your body reduce the physical need for the substance.
Treatment facilities may also offer counseling, financial planning, HIV prevention, skills classes and more.
Special Women’s Programs are family-friendly and prioritize the admission and treatment of pregnant people with substance use disorder.
You must consent or agree to receive a drug test in a clinical setting. You can refuse testing at any time for any reason.
Best practices for treating SUD include medications for SUD (formerly known as medication assisted treatment or MAT) which combines medication with counseling and other behavioral therapies. Medications for SUD are medications that can be used to safely control the physical factors associated with substance use while preventing a dangerous high. This approach should include all types of treatments and recognizes that SUD can involve social, mental, physical, and other factors.
To address the effects of SUD on your body AND brain, you may also need to begin the process of medication assisted detox treatment. This involves slowly reducing the amount of harmful substance(s) you take. Medication assisted detox treatment allows your body to safely reduce the physical need for the substance(s). This reduces the risks of something bad happening if you suddenly stop using substances during pregnancy, such as seizures.
For most SUDs and other long-term conditions, counseling or therapy can help you think about the personal and mental factors that affect addiction. Counseling is meant to explore the deeper causes of SUD, including prior trauma, chronic stress, and other factors. This treatment can help you recognize and understand the effects of your lived experiences on your SUD and can help develop coping mechanisms to work toward sobriety. Some counselors or therapists even specialize in serving pregnant people. You can find treatment centers through the Connect Alabama App at this link.
There Are More Than 100 Treatment Facilities In Alabama
These treatment facilities, including Special Women’s Programs, are categorized into levels by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
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Level 0.5 Early Intervention Treatment
Early intervention treatment provides education, resources, and counseling to individuals who are at risk of developing a substance use disorder.
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Level 1 Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient recovery programs that usually require 10-12 hours per week at a local treatment facility.
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Level 2 Intensive Outpatient (IOT) Partial Hospitalization
Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization that requires 9-20+ hours per week.
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Level 3 Residential/Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient facilities that provide clinical services ranging from 5 hours per week to 24/7 supervision.
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Level 4 Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Treatment
Has 24-Hour nursing and physician care, typically used during medical detox.
SUD treatment services can be offered in a facility, in your home, or in your community. Pregnant people with SUD are a priority population for access to these services in Alabama. In-patient services are offered in a facility where you would live while receiving treatment for SUD. Available in-patient programs vary based on your needs. The state of Alabama has Special Women Programs that provide in-patient treatment services for pregnant people or for women with young children. Out-patient services can be offered in a clinic, in your home, or in a community setting.
After counseling, medication assisted detox treatment, and/or medications for SUD is initiated, many facilities offer additional services, such as skills training, family counseling, HIV services, and financial planning classes. These services may offer additional support throughout your recovery.
For more information on SBIRT, counseling access, medication assisted detox treatment, medications for SUD, in-patient and out-patient services, and additional SUD treatment services, please click here to get information on additional support services available in Alabama.
Test Your Knowledge: SUD Treatment Options
When you begin actively seeking help for your substance use, you might be worried about negative responses. This might include losing custody of your child/ren or potential imprisonment.
Laws about substance use during pregnancy vary by state. In Alabama, using substances while pregnant is a crime when someone is actively using substances and has a child or children living with them.
In the early 2000s, the word child in this policy was expanded to include fetus. This means that pregnant people who are using substances could also be accused of committing a crime. This is because of the risk of dangerous chemicals that can affect the safety and health of the fetus and/or children. This law led to some pregnant people being tested for substance use without their consent and receiving legal punishment. You have the right to refuse testing at any time and for any reason, and you should not be tested without your explicit consent.
Coming forward does not automatically mean you will be punished for your substance use; however, it is important to be aware of the risks.
Seeking help knowing the potential ramifications can be terrifying. Some general guidelines to follow to stay as safe as possible include:
- Use the Connect Alabama app to identify the range of services near you and your local treatment options
- Know your rights as a patient
- See sections #3-5 of the Alabama Administrative Code
- Know the difference between screening and testing
- If possible, bring a loved one or support person who knows about your substance use concerns with you to your appointments with your physician
You have the right to refuse testing at any time and for any reason, and you should not be tested without your explicit consent.