Questions people ask us

A real person listens to what’s going on, asks a few questions about substances, health and insurance, and explains your options. Most calls take 10 to 20 minutes. There’s no cost and no obligation.

No. You can stay anonymous while you ask questions. We’ll need contact details only if you want us to check insurance or follow up.

Yes. Many of our calls come from parents, partners and friends. We’ll help you understand options and plan how to talk to them.

No. We’re a free treatment-navigation service. We help you understand your options and connect with licensed providers. We don’t provide medical care ourselves.

It depends on the level of care, the length of stay and your insurance. Outpatient care costs far less than residential. We check your benefits for free and tell you what you’d likely owe before you commit.

Most plans cover at least part of it. Substance use treatment is an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act, and parity law requires coverage comparable to medical care. See our insurance guide.

There are state-funded programs, sliding-scale clinics and payment plans. In Miami-Dade, state-funded care is coordinated by Thriving Mind South Florida. We can help you find options.

If you drink heavily every day, or use benzodiazepines or opioids daily, medical detox is usually the safest start. Alcohol and benzo withdrawal can cause seizures. See medical detox.

Detox takes days. Residential programs often run 30 to 90 days, PHP a few weeks and IOP 6 to 12 weeks. Many people continue outpatient care or medication for a year or more.

It should be. Medication for opioid use disorder is the standard of care. We point people to programs that support it. See medication-assisted treatment.

Often, yes. Intensive outpatient programs run around work schedules. If you need time off, the Family and Medical Leave Act may give you up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave.

Calm, specific, caring conversations work better than confrontation. Approaches like CRAFT help families encourage treatment. Read our family guide.

In some cases. Florida’s Marchman Act lets a relative petition the court for involuntary treatment when someone has lost control of their substance use and is a danger to themselves or others. See our Marchman Act guide.

Yes. We don’t share your information without your permission. Treatment records also have extra protection under federal law (42 CFR Part 2).

Not from us. Your employer doesn’t see your medical claims, and treatment providers can’t share your records without your written consent, except in limited situations like emergencies.