The first step to recovering from an addiction is often recognizing a behavior is disrupting your daily life. Maybe someone you trust has raised concerns about your behavior or you've had concerns yourself? Rather than accept that a problem exists, a person with an addiction may think about the behavior in a way to make it seem normal. "I'm not doing anything a lot of others don't do." or "I can stop whenever I want." or "This is my way to relax."
Alcohol and drugs — both prescription and nonprescription — are the most common reasons someone seeks help for an addiction. But there are behavioral addictions as well — gambling, eating, sex, shopping, even gaming and spending time on the Internet.
Asking yourself a few questions can help identify an addiction. These address drugs and alcohol, but you can ask similar questions about a compulsive behavior.
If you answered yes to more than 2 of these questions, you could have an addiction. Talking with a professional can help. Addiction professionals have a range of techniques and treatments that can help you if you're ready to cut down or stop. By understanding your options, you can make the choice that's right for you.
No one should have to face addiction alone. Your Kaiser Permanente plan network includes doctors who specialize in addiction medicine and other specialists and facilities that specialize in addiction and recovery. Services can include evaluation, diagnosis, behavioral therapy and counseling, medication-based treatment, medical treatment of withdrawal (detoxification), and rehabilitation. Different types of treatment may be needed for different substances and behaviors.
Call 1-888-287-2680 to get started. No referral is necessary. You'll be asked a few questions to assess your need and location. The questions also help us match you with a professional you'll feel comfortable with. You may be referred to a Kaiser Permanente provider or another provider in your plan network, depending on your specific care needs and location.
For coverage questions, call Member Services at 1-888-901-4636 or 206-630-4636 (711 for TTY services), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you get your care at Kaiser Permanente, you will receive an annual screening that includes questions related to alcohol or substance use. If concerns are identified through this screening or during a regular office visit, your personal physician may refer you to an onsite social worker for further assessment and planning. The sessions are an opportunity for you to speak freely about a possible addiction and explore care options. If you decide you need additional help, you can always call 1-888-287-2680.
Alcohol problems: Helping someone get treatment
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you're having a life-threatening mental health emergency or drug overdose.