Drug Medi-Cal: What is Medically Necessary Detox?
One question that you might ask in relation to Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) coverage is; What does “Medically Necessary” mean in relation to alcohol or drug detox treatment?
Whether or not an individual qualifies for Drug Medi-Cal detox coverage requires a medical assessment, of course. However, as they say in 12 step programs, if you think you need treatment for drugs or alcohol, then you probably do. The same goes for your body’s tolerance of substance use and the withdrawals you experience when you stop.
We can explore a few symptoms that might indicate that there is a medical need. Put simply, tolerance is when you need more of a drug to get the desired effect because your body has become accustomed to the amount you were swallowing, smoking, snorting, or injecting. Over time, your body becomes dependent on the drug and needs it in order to function properly. So if you suddenly stop drinking or using, the body goes into withdrawals. The symptoms of which can last for days, and can be dangerous and sometimes fatal.
Alcohol withdrawals, for example, range in severity from a hangover to Delirium Tremens (DTs), which can put the body into shock and lead to death. Heroin withdrawals are flu-like and can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Opioid pain medications and benzodiazepines have similar withdrawal symptoms. Other drugs, like marijuana, meth, and cocaine, can bring withdrawal symptoms that don’t require medical attention if they are not used along with the ones mentioned above.
It is certainly not recommended that you stop using if you are dependent on alcohol or a drug, just to see how severe your withdrawal experience will be. Chances are pretty good that you will require medical detoxification. If you start feeling shaky or uneasy within a few hours after your last drink or drug use, that is a sign that you should be assessed for chemical dependence. There is no reason to put yourself in danger since you will need a medical assessment for treatment anyway.
Note also that you are not doing yourself any favors by drinking or using right before you come in for an assessment. It is more difficult to assess your situation, and you can’t be admitted while you are intoxicated.
Remember that these are only some tips to see whether you or a loved one may qualify under Drug Medi-Cal for medically necessary alcohol or drug detox. A medical assessment will always be required. The important thing is that you don’t hesitate when you see the words “medically necessary”, and instead move forward toward treatment.