Alcohol Rehab in New York

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Alcohol addiction, alternatively known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), can lead to negative repercussions at home, work, school, and with your health.¹ Accepting your struggle can be difficult, but it is also the first step to getting the help you need. Recovery can seem daunting, and you may feel lost as to where to start looking for help. This article will help you find an alcohol rehab in New York that is best for you, including rehabs in Buffalo and New York City.

In this article:

• New York Alcohol Use Statistics
• The Cost of Alcohol Rehab in New York
• How to Find Free Alcohol Rehab in New York
• Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab in New York?
• How to Finance Alcohol Rehab in New York
• Popular Centers for Alcohol Rehab in New York
• Alcohol Rehab Settings
• Specialized Alcohol Rehab in New York
• Should I Travel for Alcohol Rehab in New York?
• Alcohol Laws in New York
• Aftercare Options for Post-Rehab Success

New York Alcohol Use Statistics

Alcohol is the most used substance in the United States, with drastic health and social consequences that can extend from alcohol misuse.¹ In 2019, there were more than 112,000 rehab admissions for alcohol misuse in the state of New York.² Although this number has fluctuated since 2015, it has decreased over the past 10 years.² In New York, young adults aged 18 and older are particularly vulnerable to reporting last month alcohol use or binge drinking.³

Excessive alcohol misuse in New York looks like this:¹⁶

• New York (16.7%) saw slightly less reported excessive drinking than the United States national average (17.6%) in 2020
• Men in New York (19.7%) have reported greater alcohol misuse than women in the same state (14%) in 2020; this has been the case since 2011 to various degrees
• Binge drinking (14.7%) was more prevalent than heavy drinking (6.5%) in 2020, but heavy drinking has risen gradually since 2014, spiking from 5.9% in 2019
• Across most income brackets, alcohol misuse fell or stayed the same in 2020
• However, for adults with a $25,000 to $49,999 annual income, their alcohol misuse rose from 14.5% in 2019 to 16.4% in 2020

The Cost of Alcohol Rehab in New York

Finding the right help and treatment to recover from alcohol misuse can be daunting, especially when considering the cost of rehab. The price of treatment varies from person to person and from place to place. When reviewing the cost of alcohol rehab in New York, you should consider how these factors affect the cost:

• Treatment setting: Inpatient tends to be more expensive than outpatient care
• Detox needs: While necessary for many, these can lengthen your treatment
• Location: Relaxing vistas in the mountains or on the beach may be costly
• Insurance: Your plan’s coverage can make otherwise costly care more affordable
• Amenities: Gyms, spas, and similar amenities may be reflected in the price
• Length of Treatment: Depending on insurance and other factors, longer stays can be more expensive

Normally, inpatient rehab costs more, as it requires hourly monitoring, especially during detox. Most treatment centers accept all major forms of insurance.⁴ Verify with the treatment center about what your out-of-pocket expenses will be and how much your insurance covers. Specific treatment centers take Medicaid and Medicare as well. Thus, you should speak with the treatment center if you have New York State Medicaid or Medicare health insurance.⁴

How to Find Free Alcohol Rehab in New York

According to Governor Hochul, the state of New York has invested $3.5 million toward comprehensive integrated outpatient treatment programs, making it easier for New Yorkers to seek treatment for substance use disorder.⁵ These government funds add to existing centers for alcohol rehab in New York that accept a variety of payment options for the treatment of alcohol misuse.

If you need financial assistance to pay for alcohol rehab in New York, several programs can help you.

State-funded rehab programs receive funding through New York or their respective county. These are operated by state, federal, and even tribal governments. In the state of New York, 33 facilities are operated by the state, 13 are operated by the federal government, and five are operated by tribal governments.⁶

Other rehab programs in New York that offer free or low-cost treatment for alcohol misuse include local, county, or community government facilities. Sometimes they have religious affiliations, but this is not always the case. These may include a local Salvation Army, which can provide rehab for alcohol and substance use disorder. There are 51 facilities of this category in the state of New York.⁶

Some treatment centers offer grants or scholarships. You also can receive donations to attend rehab centers. Check with the rehab center you are interested in to see if they offer scholarships and whether you meet the qualification requirements to apply.⁷

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Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab in New York?

If you have insurance, alcohol rehab is covered. In September 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded dependent care to people younger than 26 years of age.⁸ The ACA also extended care to treat mental health and substance use disorders, which helped shift payment of treatment away from public funds to private funds.⁸ Under New York and federal law, if you have insurance, you have the right to receive treatment for alcohol use disorder.⁴

Nearly 84% of treatment facilities in the state of New York accept private health insurance, 55% accept Medicare, and 89% accept New York State Medicaid.⁶ Call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card to discuss the extent of your coverage with an agent. Alternatively, you can speak with the customer service representative of your desired treatment center.

Private Insurance

The New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports states that, under New York and federal law, you have the right to receive addiction treatment services when medically warranted if you have insurance.⁴ These services include:

• Detox in hospital settings
• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as:
  • Outpatient methadone treatment
  • Suboxone
  • Subutex (buprenorphine)

Some popular insurance plans in the state of New York include:⁹

• Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan
• HealthNow New York
• Independent Health Association, Inc
• Excellus Health Plan
• Empire Health Choice
• Aetna
• Cigna
• United HealthCare

Medicaid

Medicaid in New York state is health insurance for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities, offering comprehensive coverage to more than 7.3 million New Yorkers.¹⁰ It covers a wide range of services through an extensive network of healthcare providers, including alcohol rehab. Some alcohol addiction treatments that the New York State Medicaid programs offer include:⁷

• Detox and inpatient rehab
• Residential treatment
• Outpatient programs

Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program and is available for the following persons:¹¹

• People aged 65 and older
• Younger people with disabilities
• Those with end-stage renal disease, permanent kidney disease, on dialysis or transplant

If you qualify for Medicare by meeting the above requirements, Medicare can cover alcohol misuse screening as well as your treatment. More than half of the facilities in the state of New York accept Medicare insurance. Thus, you are likely to find a rehab that meets your needs if you have Medicare.⁶

Your Insurance Plan’s Coverage

Before agreeing to the terms of a treatment plan, call your insurance provider helpline to inquire about your insurance coverage. They will help verify your insurance coverage. You also can search the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) webpage to find treatment centers that accept your insurance in New York.⁷

How to Finance Alcohol Rehab in New York

You may be facing financial difficulties or are unsure your insurance covers the entirety of your treatment. If this is the case, there are different options for financing your alcohol rehab in New York, including:

• Scholarships or grants can pay some or all costs depending on your needs and qualifications
• A sliding scale may be employed, which considers your income level in deciding the final price
• Finally, payment plans and financing may be available depending on the facility

Apply for a Rehab Scholarship

According to SAMHSA, there are more than 100 centers in the state of New York that offer some payment assistance in the form of scholarships.⁷ These are awarded based on a needs basis and may provide partial or full funding for treatment. When searching for a rehab that offers scholarships, search the FAQ section, which provides an overview of the scholarship application.

Find a Sliding-Scale Rehab Program

Many treatment programs understand that alcohol misuse can cause financial woes. A sliding scale offers a flexible payment program that can be raised or lowered based on your ability to pay. Speak with the customer service representative in the treatment program that interests you and ask about sliding scales if you need assistance with the cost of treatment. Currently, there are more than 300 rehab centers that offer a sliding scale in the state of New York.⁷

Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans

Financing your treatment lets you pay the amount owed for treatment at your own pace, depending on your budget. Payment plans can be arranged in the form of loans from treatment centers or third parties. You should discuss the terms with them, as interest rates may vary. One great way to find centers that offer payment plans or any other financial assistance is through the SAMHSA treatment services locator.⁷

Popular Centers for Alcohol Rehab in New York

Below are some centers for alcohol rehab in New York. These have been reviewed as exceptional treatment programs in the state. You are bound to find specialized services that match your needs at one of these programs.

Hazelden Betty Ford

The Hazelden Betty Ford outpatient rehab program is open to anyone seeking alcohol and drug addiction treatment in New York. At Hazelden, you will attend educational and therapeutic sessions, focusing on the disease of addiction, changing your practices to help your recovery, and helping to utilize a sober support network. Hazelden Betty Ford is one of the many treatment centers in New York with treatment programs that are tailored to address the LGBTQ+ community.

Phoenix House

The Phoenix House in New York state has been providing substance treatment for more than half a century. Their program is geared toward understanding the chronicity of addiction, providing people seeking treatment with the tools needed to achieve and maintain recovery. They have various recovery centers, including in Brooklyn, East Hampton, Brentwood, Hauppauge, Long Island, Lake Ronkonkoma, Springfield Gardens, and Wainscott.

Educational Alliance’s Center for Recovery and Wellness

Located in New York, New York, the Educational Alliance’s Center for Recovery and Wellness offers resident and outpatient treatment programs in addition to prevention education and other social assistance programs, including a food pantry and employment services. This is a good location if you need more social support services and more help with managing life’s difficulties while in recovery and sober. The program aims to foster resiliency and long-term recovery.

Equinox

Equinox Centers in Albany, NY, serves both adults and teens with alcohol and drug misuse in an outpatient setting. This facility offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with complementary 12-Step programs.

John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center

The John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center offers inpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. It offers a place to start your pathway to recovery in a safe and medically secure manner. Treatment here will warrant an intake assessment to determine if you need inpatient chemical dependency services and if need a higher level of care.

Alcohol Rehab Settings

Alcohol misuse is not due to any lack of self-discipline or resolve; rather, it is a disorder. Long-term alcohol use leads to neurochemical changes in the brain that can cause people to crave more alcohol, be unable to stop drinking, and need greater alcohol amounts to achieve its desired effects. When you develop dependence, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop drinking. That is why treatment for alcohol addiction may include detox; detox manages otherwise uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.¹²

Detox usually occurs in an inpatient setting. After an inpatient setting, you then step down to outpatient care. This may begin in a partial hospitalization program (PHP), where you attend an outpatient clinic for 5 days a week for at least 8 hours per day.¹² After your provider feels you are ready to move on to the next step in treatment, then intensive outpatient programs are next, and following by standard outpatient. After graduating from these, then you proceed to aftercare programs, depending on the duration that your treating provider feels is necessary.¹²

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab provides treatment for alcohol misuse in a medically supervised inpatient center, usually a hospital, psychiatric facility, or free-standing rehabilitation center. In inpatient rehab, withdrawal symptoms are closely monitored and managed by healthcare staff and a physician, respectively. You should expect a prolonged admission and will be continuously monitored by ancillary staff. You will be required to stay in the admitting facility for the entirety of your treatment program. In addition to withdrawal symptom management and medication management, inpatient rehab may provide therapy, 12-Step AA meetings, group therapy, and psychotherapy sessions.¹²

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a next step in the continuum of treatment for alcohol misuse, and this may take place in the same setting as an inpatient treatment program or the same setting as an intensive outpatient program.¹² PHP programs are the most rigorous of the outpatient programs and provide services to patients that include high-intensity counseling services during daytime hours and allow you to return home in the evenings.¹² Your initial intake session will determine what kind of treatment program is right for you depending on the severity of your alcohol use disorder.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

IOPs are like PHPs, except that the time you spend in the treatment center may vary from 6–9 hours of counseling services each week, split between two or three sessions per week.¹² It offers similar resources as a PHP but with a lower intensity. You should expect to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, psychotherapy, counseling groups, and 12-Step groups. This type of program offers the ability to resume employment at reduced hours or spend more time with family if you are the head of your household.

Standard Outpatient

Standard outpatient treatment is provided by counselors in a clinic or office setting and generally provides fewer hours of services than PHP or IOP.¹² This is usually the first level of treatment if you have mild alcohol abuse, and it allows you to maintain your daily life while you regularly meet with your treating professional.

Telehealth and Online Alcohol Rehab

Telehealth addiction treatment is a form of treatment that uses different forms of telecommunication, including phone or video-conferencing technology to help provide care over long distances without requiring you to travel to the clinic or treatment center.¹³ Telehealth can allow individuals to stay in outpatient treatment for longer and receive more counseling to further strengthen their recovery. Telehealth is not ideal for everyone. Therefore, try to be as honest about your alcohol misuse as possible during your intake to get the best individualized treatment plan.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is guided by a physician or other licensed medical providers and ancillary staff with the use of medication to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal after you have stopped drinking alcohol. This helps minimize the harm that can be caused by suddenly stopping alcohol consumption.¹² Some of the minor withdrawal symptoms that can present within 6–24 hours from the last drink include:¹²

• Insomnia
• Tremulousness
• Mild anxiety and nervousness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Mood swings, fatigue, or irritability
• Sweaty, clammy skin
• Headaches
• Rapid heart rate

More serious symptoms can start if you suffer from severe alcohol use disorder, and the withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, with progression to hallucinations. You may then begin to experience delirium tremens within 48 to 96 hours from the last drink, which can last for up to 5 days.¹² Without adequate medical supervision, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.

Therefore, the majority of medically managed detox will take place in an intensive inpatient acute care setting with healthcare provider services at your disposal to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Undergoing detox in an inpatient facility will help set up your continuum of care and establish your outpatient treatment needs, depending on your unique social situation to help you successfully maintain sobriety.¹²

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Specialized Alcohol Rehab in New York

As mentioned previously, rehab needs to be individualized to your special circumstances. Sometimes, you may need further tailored rehab centers to find other people you can identify with to create a sense of community when starting your path to sobriety. The SAMHSA Find a Treatment Tool will help you find a rehab center for the following specific communities.⁷

Veteran Rehab

There are about 95 treatment centers in New York tailored to veterans.⁷ Another great resource for veterans is the Veterans Affairs webpage. Your local VA hospital may also have many resources for rehabs geared specifically to veterans.¹⁴

LGBTQ+ Rehab

In New York, 230 treatment centers offer treatment programs geared toward the LGBTQ+ community.⁶ The LGBTQ+ community faces unique daily and long-term factors that can make you more vulnerable to alcohol use, addiction, and co-occurring mental health illnesses, like depression and anxiety.¹⁵ SAMHSA is committed to addressing substance misuse in the LGBTQ+ community, given that this community faces higher instances of mental health and substance use disorders.¹⁵

Men-Only Rehab

More than 60% of the treatment programs in the state of New York offer services geared specifically for men.⁶ This can be helpful for men who feel comfortable opening up more in a group tailored to men.

Women-Only Rehab

More than 65% of the rehabs in New York state offer programs focused on women in recovery.⁶ Women may want to disclose certain instances, including prior trauma, only around other women who may fully understand their situation, leading to a more supportive and inclusive rehab experience.

Teen Rehab

In New York state, 231 treatment programs are geared toward adolescents.⁶ It is important to have a center that gears to a specific population, specifically adolescents since it takes specially trained counselors and providers to make the connection with adolescents to make long-lasting change. Your pediatrician’s office will also be a good place to start if you feel your adolescent may need treatment for alcohol or drug misuse.

Should I Travel for Alcohol Rehab in New York?

Many treatment centers in New York take out-of-state patients for alcohol or drug misuse treatment, and some of the reasons to travel to New York include the ability to:

• Fully focus on your recovery
• Be surrounded by a high-density population, where recovery meeting times are plentiful and there are a variety of treatment centers tailored to a specific population
• Receive support from family members in New York
• Enjoy the climate of upstate New York during the spring, summer, and fall months
• Receive treatment from in-network treatment centers in New York (depending on your insurance)

The biggest benefit of traveling to New York for rehab is that it allows you to choose from a variety of recovery centers that can meet your treatment needs. By taking a pilgrimage for your recovery and traveling to New York, you are putting yourself first and separating from the people you normally drink with, the stress that may lead you to use alcohol to cope, and the job or school with social gatherings centered around alcohol.

Regional Considerations in New York

The most densely concentrated areas with recovery centers will be in New York City, where you can find a treatment center that fits your specific treatment needs. Receiving treatment in upstate New York is also possible, particularly in or near cities like Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. Finally, if you have family in Long Island, this would be a great place to search for rehab centers, especially if coming from out of state.

Alcohol Laws in New York

According to the New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the state has a Zero Tolerance Law, meaning that any person under the age of 21 who is operating a motor vehicle and has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or more is driving impaired. If you are of legal drinking age and have a BAC equal to or greater than 0.08%, you are driving impaired and may be charged with driving under the influence (DUI).¹

Aftercare Options for Post-Rehab Success

Most people with alcohol use disorder can and do recover. Remember that recovery is a long-term process.¹⁵ Aftercare is part of the continuum of treatment after completing inpatient treatment, PHP, or IOP that can help navigate life after treatment. The goal is the maintain sobriety, prevent relapse, and maintain a solid support network. Many treatment centers offer aftercare programs (often termed alumni programs). Another way to continue aftercare is by regularly attending AA meetings and building a fellowship with the members from these meetings. Other options include going to sober living homes, group counseling, and attending meetings through SMART recovery, a program of Self-Management and Recovery Training.

If you need further guidance to find alcohol rehab in New York and beyond, you can call 800-948-8417 Who Answers? . There, you will speak with a treatment specialist who will direct you to the right treatment program for you.

Resources

1. New York State. Office of Addiction Services and Supports. (n.d.). Alcohol.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2019. Admission to and Discharges from Publicly Funded Substance Use Treatment.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). New York – National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
4. New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. (n.d.). Paying for Treatment.
5. New York State. News from Governor Kathy Hochul. (2022). Governor Hochul Announces Availability of up to $3.5 Million to Expand Treatment Services for Substance Use Disorder in New York State.
6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Series State Profiles Executive Summary.
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Find Treatment.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Paying for Behavioral Health Treatment: The Role of the Affordable Care Act.
9. The National Committee for Quality Assurance. (2019). NCQA Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2019 – 2020.
10. New York State Department of Health. (2022). New York State Medicaid.
11. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). Who Is Eligible for Medicare.
12. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.
13. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Using Telehealth or Telemedicine.
14. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022). New York. Substance Use Disorder Program.
15. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2022). The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol.
16. America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. (2021). Trend: Excessive Drinking, New York, United States. United Health Foundation.