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How to Avoid Drug Rehab Scams

In the midst of the drug abuse crisis that the United States faces, a new corrupt element has emerged. As with other sectors where desperate people are looking for help, drug rehab scams are taking advantage of drug abusers that are trying to get their life back.

3 Minute Read | Published Aug 17 2023 | Updated Mar 11 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Dameisha Gibson
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Dameisha Gibson
Reviewed by

Drug Rehab Scams – What You Need to Know

In 2015, a staggering 52,404 people overdosed and died from drug use according the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The many health risks and detrimental effects that addiction can have on a person’s life is what make people want to find help. But with the emergence of drug rehab scams, how do you know if the place that you are going to or sending a loved one to is the real thing?

In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself or the people you care for from the scams that the worst drug rehab centers use.

Scam Warning Signs

Law enforcement and experts have come together to create a list of common warning signs that scams often exhibit. The following is a list of things to be on the lookout for in order to avoid the worst drug rehab centers.

  • Drug treatment brokers just want you to go to one of their treatment centers because they receive referral fees. The wellbeing of the addict is the last thing on their mind.
  • Be on the lookout for generic advertisements and websites that don’t really clarify what types of treatments they offer. Many of these types of sites and advertisements are designed to get your details, which is then passed on to brokers.
  • Be aware of offers to pay for travel or for insurance coverage. They may also offer to waive deductibles and co-payments. If someone does offer to pay for something along these lines, phone your insurance company or the rehab to ensure that they are in fact employees.
  • Since drug rehab scams make most of their money by billing your insurance company for unnecessary tests and treatments, be on the lookout for daily lab tests.
  • They may offer patients free rent at a sober living environment or home if the patient uses a particular rehab center.
  • Since rehab scams aren’t interested in the recovery of the patient, they often don’t ask for information from any previous counselors or therapists. They also don’t bother asking the patient in-depth questions about their addiction.
  • Be aware when marketers call you to offer you out-of-state services. This will allow the rehab to bill your insurer more.

Questions to Ask

The following questions should be easily answered by the best drug rehabs in Florida or any state.

  • Is there licensed staff available 24/7?
  • Are they able to treat other conditions such as mental health disorders or diseases?
  • Are the doctors involved with the treatment certified with by the American Society of Addiction Medicine?
  • Are counselors certified dependency counselors and what is the ratio of staff to patients?
  • Is the treatment program able to take into account what a person’s medical history, gender identity and culture are?
  • What are their aftercare services like? Do they have an alumni program?
  • Is the rehab part of your insurer’s in-network rehab centers? If it isn’t, what will your out-of-pocket expenses be?
  • Are the elements of the program transparent, or are they just telling people what they want to hear?

By using these guidelines, you can find the best drug rehabs in Florida, such as the ones listed on Better Addiction Care, and avoid the drug rehab scams that are becoming more common every day.

If you or a loved one needs help with addiction and/or relapse prevention, it is available. Make the phone call that will empower you with the skills you need to overcome. Call Better Addiction Care today at (800) 429-7690.

Resources

bullet Federal Trade Commission. (2020).
"Be Cautious of Drug Addiction Treatment Claims."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018).
"Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021).
"Scams in the Name of Drug Addiction Treatment."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021).
"Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018).
"Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019).
"Treatment Fraud."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020).
"What to Look for in a Treatment Program."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
bullet U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020).
"Opioid Addiction: FDA-Approved Medications Can Help."
Retrieved on October 18, 2017
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