Congratulations on deciding to quit your addiction!  You are ready for your first step towards recovery.

1. Now that you have decided to quit Do Not Return to the same addictive environment.  Doing so is very dangerous and almost ensures relapse.  You are vulnerable and need a lot of support.  Surround yourself with supportive individuals.  There are halfway houses, sober houses, sober schools, etc, available to you.
2. Schedule an evaluation.  Be completely honest.  Tell your physician you cannot stop using unless you are admitted to an inpatient center.
3. Check with your insurance provider to see what treatment facilities AND after treatment care expenses are covered under your plan.  Below are questions to ask your insurance provider.  These questions will help you to negotiate more days in treatment and other considerations.  Your addiction is a serious matter and you deserve proper treatment; 
   

• Do they have treatment facilities out of state in which they provide coverage?
  Consider going out of state for treatment.  You are more likely to have success when your “connections” are not close by.
• How long is the program?
  Twenty-eight days is not enough time for most drug addictions.  Try to get into a 90 day program.  If insurance will only give you 28 days then enter an after care program as well.  Set it up before you leave treatment. 
  
• Do they have a treatment facility that specializes in your addiction?
• How many patients have relapsed at the provider recommended rehab center?
• How many times have the patients been retreated?  What is the breakdown by drug type and length of treatment?
• Will your insurance help cover the costs of after treatment care?

1. Request to talk to the Chemical Dependency Unit.
   1.   Do you meet their financial guidelines (also known as Rule 24)?  If yes, proceed.  If no, go to step B.
   2.   Make an appointment for a chemical dependency assessment (also known as Rule 25).  It is an evaluation and this may take some time.  Be honest; tell them you cannot stop using without inpatient treatment.  If you qualify they will get you into treatment!
2. If you do not have insurance or qualify for the Rule 24/25 you can apply for MinnesotaCare.  This will take time before benefits will be determined and go into effect.  Financial Services may help with this - check with them – 800-362-3667 (ask for Financial Services).
   1.   Go to the local library and log onto to www.dhs.state.mn.us OR call 651-297-3862 or 800-657-3672 for assistance
   2.   Print the “Application for Minnesota Health Care Programs”, complete and mail the application.
   3.   Select a health care provider.   Follow instructions above for those with health care.
              
   If all has failed, you can call the treatment facilities and ask about treatment scholarships.  AA and NA are excellent ways to work a program without treatment or while waiting for treatment.  Many have found the strength they need through faith-based groups.  Many of these faith-based groups have assisted those needing help when they have asked.  There are several web-based support groups, too. Note:  Certain expenses for drug treatment may be considered a medical tax deduction.