GET HELP NOW: Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions
The Six Most Important Questions
How do I know if I'm drinking too much?
How do I pay for substance abuse treatment?
How do I know what level of care or help I need?
What are my treatment options outside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
Where can I find out more about self-help groups for issues relating to alcohol and other drugs?
How do I know if I'm drinking too much?
There are many simple questionnaires that help to screen for problem drinking. Here's one called the T-ACE.
1) Tolerance: Does it take more drinks than it used to to make you feel high?
2) Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3) Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking?
4) Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
If you answered 'yes' to 2 or more questions, it's an indication of problem drinking, although you should consult a professional if you suspect your drinking is causing problems regardless of how you score on this or any other test. Call us at (717) 299-2831 to find out what steps you can take to lower your risk.
Click here to take the AUDIT, a 10-question alcohol screening test.
Where do I go to get help?
Getting a drug and alcohol evaluation is the first place to start. Any outpatient treatment provider can assist you in getting an evaluation. (View outpatient substance abuse treatment providers in Lancaster County or scroll down to find information on neighboring counties.) If you are not sure where to start, contact the Compass Mark Drug & Alcohol Information Center at (717) 299-2831 from 9am to 5pm weekdays for information and referral assistance.
How do I pay for substance abuse treatment?
Do you have Insurance, an HMO, Medical Assistance, OR Veteran's Benefits? YES or NO
If you think you may need inpatient detoxification, call White Deer Run of Lancaster @(866) 769-6822 for a short phone assessment. If you are appropriate for detox, WDR will begin to look for treatment accommodations for you.
If you do not need detox, even if you think you may need an inpatient rehab, you must make an appointment with a county-contracted oupatient therapist for an assessment and a financial liability interview. If your therapist recommends:
- Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient - Stay in treatment with your therapist and pay only the amount of your financial liability each month.
- Residential Treatment - Your therapist will call the case management unit of the Lancaster County D&A Commission to review your case and discuss approval for the payment of these services. If approved, you may go to one of several County-contracted rehabilitation centers. Placement will occur with County funding IF you are eligible for this funding AND if the County has available dollars to pay for you. The outpatient counselors or detox staff will help you in determining your options, and who will pay for your treatment.
Insurance - Many insurance companies cover D&A treatment. Contact your insurance company to determine what is covered and proper access to treatment.
HMO - Many Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) provide D&A coverage. It is important that you follow the correct procedures or the D&A treatment will not be covered. In most cases, pre-authorization from the HMO is required.
Veterans Benefits - Most military veterans are eligible for D&A treatment services. Both the Lebanon and Coatesville VA Hospitals provide D&A treatment services. There are also outreach and outpatient programs for veterans.
Private Pay - If you have the ability to pay for your D&A treatment, you may choose any facility you can afford.
How do I know what level of care or help I need?
You can be assessed directly at any outpatient treatment provider. The levels of care you may be referred into include:
- Outpatient - Regularly scheduled counseling sessions, either individual or in a group with others, totaling no more than 5 hours per week
- Intensive Outpatient - Like outpatient, but takes place at least 3 days per week, up to 10 hours.
- Partial Hospitalization - For clients who would benefit from more structure than outpatient counseling, but who do not require 24-hour care, partial hospitalization consists of longer-term, more intensive counseling, at least 3 days per week for a minimum of 10 hours.
- Residential Rehabilitation - Professionally directed 24-hour care, either short-term; for 1 to 3 months in duration, or long-term; several months to several years. The client lives at the facility and participates in individual and group activities designed to “rehabilitate” the client back to a drug-free life.
- Inpatient Detoxification - Provides 24-hour care to clients during the period of time that the body is eliminating the intoxicating substance. During this time, the client may experience withdrawal symptoms and may require counseling and support. The duration of this service is usually 2 to 7 days, and the client is then referred to residential rehabilitation, a halfway house, or outpatient counseling.
- Halfway House - This service is often used to help clients make the transition from a residential rehab to living in society again. Clients live in a supportive, home-like setting and work on life skills and maintaining a drug-free life. Clients usually have jobs and attend 12-step meetings. Usually lasts 3 to 6 months.
What are my treatment options outside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
- View treatment options in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
- View treatment options in York & Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
- Search the national Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.