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On June 20, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release offering an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. While the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is not yet complete, UnitedHealth Group has started the process to notify impacted customers and shared a website that provides additional information. UnitedHealth Group continues to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. You can learn more about the support resources by visiting Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or by reaching out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 with any questions. 

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Guide

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Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that leaves someone unable to control their use of alcohol and drugs, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Substance use causes serious problems at work, school, in relationships and with the law.

Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD. Those diagnosed with SUD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. Though people might have both a SUD and a mental disorder, that does not mean that one caused the other.

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The first step toward recovery is asking for help. Seek out someone you trust, who can support you and help you find the resources you need. Recovery doesn’t happen right away. There are many steps. You’ll learn new, healthy ways to solve problems and how to communicate and resolve conflicts. It takes courage to seek help for a drug problem. But remember that treatment works, there are many paths to help, and people recover every day.

Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. However, it may take several attempts at treatment to find the right approach. Treatment helps people disrupt addiction's powerful effects on the brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.

A counselor or healthcare provider can help you. So can a faith leader trained in substance use counseling. Friends and family may help once you are working with experts. Together you can make changes needed for success. This can help you have a positive and rewarding life.

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Recovery begins when you get help and slowly build a new life and lifestyle. You may need the support of others. During recovery, you’ll go through 3 stages. How long each stage lasts varies with each person.

  • Early recovery: The focus is on stopping your drug use or addiction. Most likely, you’ll get help from a therapist, addiction counselor or healthcare provider. You may also attend self-help groups on a regular basis. You’ll avoid people or places that might result in a relapse.
  • Middle recovery: Work on changing your life. You may change your values, move or go back to school. You may start new, healthy relationships. You may end unhealthy relationships. Continue the lifestyle changes and strategies that support sobriety and access healthcare providers or addiction counselors when you are concerned about relapsing.
  •  Late recovery: This stage lasts for the rest of your life. You may feel stronger and healthier. You may have a greater sense of purpose. You may focus on the things that matter to you most. These may include your family, your beliefs, lending a hand to others, etc. You will continue to use the lifestyle changes and strategies that support your sobriety. When you fear relapsing, get help from doctors or addiction counselors.

Types of SUD treatment

  • Residential treatment: Live in a drug-free setting with others in recovery. Community residential treatment can last one to six months. During this time, residents will see a therapist and/or addiction counselor.
  • Outpatient therapy: Visit a therapist or addiction counselor, by yourself or as part of a group. Family members may also take part in treatment.
  • Self-help groups: Offer support and encouragement. There are also support groups for the loved ones of those seeking treatment.
  • Medicine: Treatment may include certain medications that treat addiction such as methadone, disulfiram, buprenorphine, acamprosate and naltrexone. Long-Acting Injectable medications may also help.
  • Alternative treatments: May include acupuncture, biofeedback and hypnosis. Ask your healthcare provider about these options.

For help finding a treatment program in your area visit the online treatment center locator from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It lists facilities across the country and offers guidance about what to expect when looking for treatment, the different kinds of treatment and how to pay for treatment.

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  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Established by Congress in 1991, it is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that leads public health efforts to address behavioral health through education, treatment and research.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, it is a free,  confidential 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service in English and Spanish. It is for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-4357 anytime.
  • FindTreatment.gov: SAMSHA’s confidential, anonymous online tool to help people find treatment centers for mental and substance use disorders near them.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Substance Use Disorder Program: Eligible veterans have several options for seeking treatment for substance use problems. These treatments address problems related to substance use, from unhealthy use of alcohol to life-threatening addictions. For more information, call 1-800-273-8255 Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern.