Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Rehab Treatment Coverage by Aetna

Substance use disorders can result from prolonged or frequent misuse of drugs and alcohol.  The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported that the most commonly used drug in the United States is marijuana, followed by cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and heroin. The rate of marijuana use among college students in 2019 was the highest rate since 1983. 

In the United States, over 24 million individuals are living with a drug use disorder, almost a quarter of which are struggling with opioids such as heroin and prescription pain medications. It is estimated that 37 million U.S. residents use drugs each month. Rates of drug abuse tend to be higher among men than women in the U.S., and highest among those between the ages of 18 and 25. While there was an 8% decrease in opioid abuse rates from 2019 to 2020, 9.5 million individuals in the U.S. misused opioids last year. The majority of individuals who are abusing opioids are struggling with prescription pain medications, compared to synthetic opioids. Accidental overdoses are one of the leading causes of death for Americans under the age of 45. An estimated 5.7 million individuals in the U.S. misused prescription tranquilizers in 2018, and an additional 1 million misused prescription sedatives during the same time frame. 

The rates of cocaine abuse were higher in 2018 when compared to other stimulants, including meth. 

Opioid use disorder is a category of substance use disorders that include synthetic and non-synthetic drugs such as prescription pain medications, fentanyl, and heroin. OUD can affect various areas of your life including your health, mental health, finances, and relationships. 

Treatment for opioid use disorder can occur in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, and incorporate medication-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis care for those who need additional support. Relapse prevention education is often incorporated to help you develop a strong foundation for your recovery.

Cocaine use disorder can be described as persistent use of cocaine; despite the challenges it has created for you. Cocaine is a stimulant, and known to be highly addictive. Cocaine use disorder is associated with a variety of mental health and physical health conditions and concerns, including mood disorders, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory problems.

While there are no FDA medications approved for cocaine treatment, detox programs focus on symptom management and supporting you as your body adjusts to the expected changes at the beginning of recovery. Cocaine treatment programs are typically available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs and may offer contingency management and support groups for addictions as components of their treatment.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that can be used to treat particular anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and carry a risk for addiction when not taken properly. Commonly used benzos include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Librium, and Versed. 

If you have been misusing or abusing a prescription for benzodiazepines, it is important to seek medical support and guidance before attempting to reduce, limit, or stop using benzodiazepines because of drug-related health conditions. Treatment programs are often available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

A methamphetamine addiction can be described as compulsive use of methamphetamine, despite the psychological, physical, and social consequences that you have experienced. You may have developed a tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms. Meth is known to create significant behavioral changes and serious health conditions. 

Rates of methamphetamine have begun to rise recently, with approximately 1.6 million U.S. residents experiencing a meth addiction. Over 32,000 fatal overdoses in 2021 were methamphetamine-related. 

We have reviewed a brief list of drugs that are commonly abused across the United States, and because this is not an exhaustive list, we wanted to make note of other substance use disorders that often occur with lower rates:

• Stimulants: Additional examples of stimulants include ecstasy (MDMA), and prescription medications including Adderall and Ritalin
• Depressants: Examples of depressants that can be abused include barbiturates and other non-benzodiazepine sleeping medications, including Ambien
• Hallucinogens: Commonly abused hallucinogens include magic mushrooms (psilocybin) and peyote
• Inhalants: Inhalants that can be abused include nitrates, aerosol sprays, and household solvents such as glue and paint thinner