NBCLeftField

Hey Shaminder, thanks for the question. This issue is not specific to Florida, though it seems to be the 'Ground Zero'. Arrests have been made for body-brokering and insurance fraud in treatment centers in sober homes across the country including California, Arizona and Pennsylvania. Essentially, as Florida continues to crack down on the issue, many are picking up and restarting the schemes elsewhere. Wherever there is recovery, there is also the possibility of folks taking advantage of vulnerable addicts.

I'm so sorry to hear that. The fraudulent treatment centers and sober homes can be identified by a number of factors. It's important first to understand the difference. A sober home is purely housing for addicts, whereas a treatment center provides services. The first indicator of fraud is that they will charge insurance companies an excessive amount of money for tests that would be medically deemed unnecessary, like performing a drug test on a single person 7 days a week. Another indicator of fraud is that they will pay addicts to live at the sober home or treatment center. They will offer them perks including money, gift cards, gym memberships and often drugs. Many of the fraudulent sober homes will be extremely run down - mattresses on the floor, people getting high within them. I think Pat will add on here, Pat?

from ZOE:

I have shared my story before but only in an AA setting. I was inspired to share my story because these are important issues that need to be talked about. It seems as if most people are ashamed of their struggle. But I'm not. If my story helps save one life than I have done something right.

Hey there, yes the Florida shuffle is the name people go by. This is absolutely more widespread then Florida. As mentioned in a comment above, it's popping up all over the country in places like California, Arizona, Philadelphia, New York etc. Every state should be aware and ready to address it. Lawmakers need to be focusing on regulation and standards for treatment centers and sober homes, so that people with substance abuse disorders aren't taken advantage of when they try to seek help. There also needs to be an effort on the insurance companies side to flag unusually high charges that don't have medical justification.

From ZOE: Do not send them to the first treatment center that offers help. Do your research. Talk to professionals. Don't judge your family member. Talk to them with compassion. We are humans too and just as lost as you are.