Does a Primary Care Physician Need to Provide a Patient Referral for Drug Rehab?

Learning how a primary care physician can help any of their patients who are suffering from a substance abuse problem get the help they need is a great idea. The more that someone understands what is required to undergo treatment at a drug rehab facility, the more likely that the right choices will be made. Ready to learn whether referrals for drug treatment is required?

Do patients need a referral to enter a drug rehab program?

Finding out that a primary care physician does not need to write a referral in order for a patient to enter a drug rehab program allows those who are in need of treatment to simply contact their chosen rehab facility to start the intake process. Even though a referral is not necessary, it is still important for drug abusers to keep in close contact with their primary care physician in order to continue managing their overall health care needs.

How physicians can help their patients

Even though it is not necessary for someone to get a referral so they can enter a drug rehab program, it is still necessary for them to keep in close contact with their physician. Physicians can help potential drug rehab patients by carefully listening to them when they are talking about their substance abuse addiction. This allows patients to get any necessary advice or feedback that can help them make sure that they are making the right decision in order to treat their addiction.

Physicians can also help their patients find a drug rehab program that is right for them. The fact that there are many different types of rehab facilities to choose from nowadays can make it difficult for patients to understand which choice will ideally help them. While it may seem like an easy process when it comes to choosing a drug rehab facility, many people who are abusing drugs do not know where to start when it comes to finding a drug rehab program, making getting professional advice from their physician often necessary.

The fact that many drug abusers will experience one or more health problems due to their substance abuse also makes it essential that they make regular appointments with their physician to evaluate their overall health. Examples of physical health issues include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage and ongoing infections. Examples of mental health problems include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.

According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse, 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers have a serious mental illness and those who are diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Do you know someone who is in need of drug rehab services?

Now that you know a primary care physician does not have to write a referral for someone who is in need of drug treatment, are you trying to help someone you know stop abusing drugs? Once the person who is in need of treatment decides to undergo treatment, all they need to do is contact a rehab facility in order to make an intake and evaluation appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://campmedicine.org or call Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care at (973) 859-9165 for an appointment in our Passaic office.

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