Navigating the many unknowns right now—like potentially returning to a worksite, scheduling hybrid or in-person schooling for kids, or wondering if it’s safe to book a vacation or event—may feel overwhelming. Some people may turn to substance use to manage the constant flow of anxiety and stress.

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey showed that 41% of participants reported struggling with at least one mental health condition and started or increased substance use in 2020 (1). Although using alcohol and/or drugs may offer temporary relief, excessive use can progress quickly into a substance use disorder, which can impact all areas of life, from physical health to relationships to employment.

Substance Use Facts

• As of June 2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (2)
• 261 Americans die from excessive alcohol use each year, shortening the lives of those who die by an average of almost 29 years (3)
• Excessive drinking can lead to liver failure, damaging organs like the brain, and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, accounting for 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States (4)

At Sutter Health Plus, we believe in total health—mind, body, and overall well-being. Substance abuse and addiction can be treatable diseases and recovery is possible.

Members have access to medically necessary care services for substance use disorders, including alcohol, through U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California (USBHPC). This includes in-person or virtual individual and group visits with participating behavioral health providers, inpatient/outpatient treatment, and prescription drugs when medically necessary.

Speak to a Behavioral Health Provider
Through USBHPC, members can self-refer to a participating behavioral health provider to book a safe, confidential, and secure in-person or virtual visit either online or by phone, where available. These visits may be accessed through a desktop or mobile device from the comfort of a member’s home. To find a provider, visit liveandworkwell.com. Detailed behavioral health articles, self-assessment tools, informational videos, and tips for improving mental wellness are also available on the site.

Additionally, Sanvello—an app offering daily mood tracking, coping tools, guided journeys, and more—is available to members at no cost through USBHPC. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Inpatient and Outpatient Services
Sutter Health Plus offers access to inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder services through USBHPC. Both programs typically include individual and group counseling by doctors, therapists, and others who have extensive training in addiction issues.

At inpatient facilities, members may receive medications and care for alcohol or substance use safely and comfortably under medical supervision. Recovery begins in a supportive treatment program where members recover physically while learning the skills needed to live in and commit to a life of sobriety.

Some members may have the option of continuing to live at home during care. Outpatient programs allow members to build recovery skills during day or evening programs over several weeks.

Members seeking substance use disorder services should talk to their doctor or a behavioral health provider about what is best for them. To self-refer to a USBHPC provider, call USBHPC Member Services at (855) 202-0984 or learn more by visiting liveandworkwell.com. The USBHPC Substance Abuse Treatment Helpline is also available 24/7 at (855) 780-5955.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4. American Cancer Society