One of the most important aspects of addiction treatment is receiving support. There are various forms of support you can take advantage of during substance abuse recovery programs. For example, support from your family, emotional support from your peers, and even mental health support from a licensed therapist.
However, there is another type of support that is essential to one’s progress in recovery from addiction known as case management. Case managers often act as your personal advocate, ensuring that you are receiving the treatment and care you require. There are many benefits of case management services in addiction treatment, and they have been proven to increase the likelihood of treatment retention and dedication to recovery among clients.[1]
What is Case Management?
Case management is a series of services individuals receive in addiction treatment. Case managers will work with you to ensure that you receive the types of treatments and services you require to make a full recovery. They also help their clients navigate the complex system that is addiction treatment.
The bulk of a case manager’s job is to help you access and obtain services you may not be able to obtain on your own. For example, a case manager could help you create a treatment plan that includes a variety of approaches, including:
- Detox
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient treatment services
- Mental health
- Family counseling
- Housing
- Aftercare and follow-up services
If someone was suffering from financial issues and was having difficulty connecting with affordable substance abuse services, a case manager could act as their advocate. They can reach out to programs and funds to acquire the resources their client needs to receive treatment. Case management is beneficial for anyone who is receiving addiction treatment, however, it is particularly important for individuals who need access to specific social services.[2]
The Benefits of Case Management Services During Addiction Treatment
During addiction treatment, case managers will help their clients in a variety of ways. Case management works on an individual basis, meaning one person may receive completely different services than the other.
A few key benefits of case management include:
Assessment
The first thing a case manager will do is get to know their client and their needs. Your case manager will conduct an assessment to determine what your individual needs are based on your family, medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse history. This information allows them to determine what steps you will need to take to recover and meet your goals.
Arranging Resources
After the case manager gets a good idea of who you are and what you need to recover, they will begin arranging and negotiating resources for you. This may include calling local addiction treatment facilities to find a program that suits your needs. Additionally, they will help you navigate long waitlists to ensure that you are not waiting for months to be accepted into a rehab facility.
If you require financial assistance, legal aid, or even housing, your case manager can help you obtain these resources. Case managers are there to help you receive any of the services and treatments you require to be successful in sobriety.
Creating a Case Plan
Once your case manager has obtained the resources you need, they will work with the drug rehab center to create a treatment plan. Your treatment plans will contain goals for treatment as well as specific methods and techniques that are used to help you overcome your substance use disorder. If you suffer from any co-occurring mental health conditions, your case manager will work with the treatment facility to ensure that you receive the proper psychiatric services.
Determining Eligibility for Benefits
Many people who struggle with addiction also have financial issues. Case managers can help you obtain financial benefits from the government while you are attending treatment. For example, many people work with their case manager to sign up for food stamps while they are in a rehab facility, as they are unable to work during treatment.
Case managers often work with your insurance to determine the coverage you will receive. Any issues with your insurance benefits will be handled by your case manager. Even further, if you do not have insurance your case manager might help you obtain free or low-cost insurance to ensure that you can afford the substance abuse treatment you need.
Legal Coordination
Some people who attend rehab have outstanding legal charges, upcoming court dates, or parole/probation officers to report to. While outpatient rehab may not affect these matters, inpatient rehab may hinder a person’s ability to meet with their lawyer or probation officer to attend court dates. Fortunately, case managers can act as a liaison with the court systems to make sure your legal matters are taken care of while you’re getting the help that you need.
Assistance After Treatment
Before leaving rehab your case manager will work with you to make sure you have access to all of the resources you need to be successful in your recovery, such as:
- Connecting you with mental health professionals
- Finding medical treatment and primary care physicians
- Referring you to sober housing
- Referring you to family therapists or marriage counselors
- Providing job replacement services or vocational training
- Connecting you with legal assistance
Take Advantage of Case Management Benefits at Mandala Healing Center Today
With case management, you will have an advocate by your side who can connect you with the services you need during and after drug rehab. Case management services can make the addiction treatment process much easier and connect you with resources you may not have been able to access otherwise.
At Mandala Healing Center, our dedicated case managers are committed to helping you succeed during and after rehab. To learn more about our programs or to find help for yourself or a loved one, please contact us today.
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