Addiction and recovery care

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."

How do I know I have an addiction?

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.

• Do you ever think that you use drugs or alcohol too much?
• Have you wanted to cut back or stop your use of drugs or alcohol but not been able to?
• Do you spend a lot of time drinking or using drugs or feeling aftereffects like hangovers?
• Is the urge to use drugs or alcohol something you can't ignore?
• Do you drink or use more than you used to in order to feel the effect you want?
• Does drinking or using drugs make it hard for you to take care of your responsibilities?
• Do you continue using alcohol or drugs even though it's causing problems with family and friends, or at work or school?
• Has your drug or alcohol use led to unsafe driving or sex, or to saying and doing things you don't remember?
• Are you continuing to drink or use drugs even though it's causing health problems or making them worse?
• Have you stopped doing things you enjoy because it gets in the way of drinking or using drugs?
• When you don't use drugs or alcohol, do you feel on edge, have trouble sleeping, or notice other problems?
• Has your alcohol or drug use led to any legal, financial, or other problems?

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.

Getting care

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.

Short-term counseling at Kaiser Permanente primary care

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.