What is the Aetna Guardian Angel Program?
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The Aetna Guardian Angel Program (GAP) is one that was put in place by the North Carolina health insurance providers in response to the opioid epidemic currently plaguing the nation. This program uses data from insurance claims for identifying nonfatal overdoses.
Through using this data, case managers are able to reach out to the affected individuals and offer to help connect them with addiction treatment programs and other local resources to help support their recovery.
Keep reading to find out more about the GAP program, and how to find help with Rehabs Of Armerica if you have received a Guardian Angel notification!
What Does the Aetna Guardian Angel Program Do?
The period following a nonfatal opioid overdose can be one of the most crucial opportunities to get people the help they need for their addiction. The GAP is a health strategy put into place to help Aetna insurance’s most vulnerable members get access to life-saving treatment.
The GAP is available in several states, although North Carolina has recently become a main destination health initiative location. This is because the state recently combined the GAP with a program called Unite Us, which addresses social determinants of health.
How Does the GAP Program Help Prevent Fatal Opioid Overdose?
Together, these programs focus on improvising community health by allowing target individuals to easily access support and other recovery services, including:
- Finding In-network providers that offer behavioral health and addiction treatment services.
- Providing informational services on how to obtain addiction medications, such as naloxone, as well as how to access other harm reduction strategies.
- Providing coordination services to help find primary care providers on a community level and locate other local community support services.
- Connecting individuals with Unite Us, which is a partnership meant to address social determinants of health.
The GAP also offers social services for college students affected by nonfatal opioid overdoses, services to support Aetna’s DSNP members, employment services, and provide food assistance services to individuals who are struggling with difficult life circumstances.
CVS Health and the Guardian Angel Program
Recently, CVS Health partnered with the GAP in North Carolina to help find individuals who are the most likely to be open to receiving treatment. CVS Health’s collaboration with the GAP is mainly supported through Unite Us, which has become a leading platform for social care coordination.
Through this pairing, clinical case managers are able to utilize the network provided by Unite Us and use their extensive social services to help struggling individuals find both clinical and non-clinical support.
These can help them fight addiction by utilizing a social care coordination platform that is built to help connect them with community resources for housing, food distribution, and financial aid.
In the first year that it was launched, the GAP in partnership with CVS Health and Unite Us was able to help an estimated 1,000 Aetna members ranging from anywhere between 16 to 79 years of age who had suffered an opioid-related overdose find the help and treatment they needed.
Understanding Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Addictions rarely ever develop intentionally; in many cases, people turn to drug abuse as a way of coping with the stress and hardships they face in their everyday lives. When it comes to opioids, many people will begin abusing these for their pain-relieving qualities.
Even if someone is not struggling with physical pain, they may be harboring negative thoughts and feelings that can make life harder. Abusing drugs like opioids can provide temporary relief from these painful emotions.
Unfortunately, with continuous use over time, drug tolerance and eventual dependence on these substances will form. Opioids are highly addictive and can become habit-forming fairly quickly, even as prescription medications.
The Brain Chemistry of Withdrawal
Once dependence has formed on these drugs, the user will not be able to stop using without experiencing highly uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects. These are known as withdrawal symptoms and are one of the leading causes of relapse in people trying to recover from substance addictions.
It is for this reason that individuals who are struggling with an opioid use disorder seek out professional medical and addiction treatment services. With the right support, long-term recovery is possible, and the journey to sobriety will be much more comfortable than if the individual were to attempt recovery on their own.
Addiction and Medical Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a very serious problem to be struggling with, and a regular check-up at your doctor’s office may not be enough to help you overcome these habits. Rather, you will need extensive and professional rehabilitation services to successfully fight addiction and stop your substance use habits for good.
There are several different treatment programs available for addressing opioid use disorders, including:
- Medical Detox
- Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Behavioral Therapies
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
With all of these options to choose from, knowing what levels of care will best fit your needs can be tough. Speaking with a Rehabs Of Armerica specialist can help you understand what programs will be best for your needs, and how you can get started on your recovery journey today!
Find Help for Opioid Abuse and Addiction Today!
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, help is available! At Rehabs Of Armerica, we are solely determined to help you get your life back on track and overcome your drug abuse habits, for good!
Our hotline is available 24/7 so that you can speak with addiction specialists and get answers to all of your recovery questions, anytime you need them! Your journey to better health starts with you. So call now, and we will help you take the first step on your path to achieving long-term sobriety, today!
Nicole R. is an experienced and accomplished writer with special interests in the fields of Anthropology, English, and behavioral health, and has written countless articles for newspaper publications, institutional research journals, and Find Addiction Rehabs.
Her alma matter is Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Nicole hopes to spread awareness of and combat the stigmatization surrounding addiction and substance abuse treatment through her writing and work in the field.
