Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information CC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Keep mental health in mind 3 Don’t lose your Medicaid benefits 11 Your Spring 2024 En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333. Behavioral healthcare and substance use treatment Substance use rates in New Mexico and across the United States are on the rise. New studies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that rates of alcohol and other drug use have risen among youth and adults. This rise comes from things like economic stress, unmet mental health needs, and social norms. It is also easier to get alcohol and other drugs. To lower these rates, we need to understand and work to improve the risk factors. Good strategies to reduce substance use often involve a mix of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction methods. Prevention efforts focus on teaching, awareness, and policies to ban substance use. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has asked mental health and substance use disorder providers to expand access to their services. This will help to treat New Mexicans as quickly and easily as possible. Treatment is also key to help this growing problem. This means giving support and resources for those struggling with substance dependence. Treatment can include counseling and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Many people trying to recover from substance use are helped by MAT programs. A MAT program combines medications with counseling. The medications used in a MAT program help manage cravings, reduce withdrawal, and enable the member to focus on their treatment. Treatment also includes focusing on issues such as housing insecurity and nutrition or harm reduction programs. These programs reduce the negative effects of substance use without the need for abstinence. Public policies such as raising taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis can also help. We are here for you. If you have questions or need help, please contact the following: — Continued on page 3 • Presbyterian Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at (505) 923-5200 or toll-free at 1-888-977-2333 • PresRN nurse advice line, 24 hours a day/365 days a year, at (505) 923-5677 or toll-free at 1-888-730-2300 There are a number of ways to find providers who can help. You can access our provider directory at www.phs.org/ centennialcare. You can request that a paper copy of the
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