Question by Curtis: Do I Qualify for Cal-SDI under these ICD-9 codes?
My doctor took me out of work after i went to him to seek treatment for severe stress and crippling anxiety related to that stress. After a short talk about my daily life and what was going on he put me on a short grocery list of medications and took me out of work for 8 weeks.
The primary diagnosis listed on the application was 300.02 (generalized anxiety disorder).
The secondary diagnosis was 291.81(alcohol with-drawl syndrome).
The notation for the diagnosis was “generalized anxiety disorder, depression, alcohol dependence and alcohol with-drawl.
The findings were “patient is undergoing severe anxiety and depression related to detoxing from alcohol”
My medications are Naltrexone, Gabapentin, Gydroxyzine,and Remeron. Some pretty heavy stuff.
It’s important to note that I did not go to my doctor because i felt i have a drinking problem. i drank nightly, but not heavily (1-4 beers a night after work). my doctor is a never-drink-again guru and that’s the path he decided to take, I have followed it to the letter.
My question is, with that primary and secondary diagnosis (not living in a treatment facility) do I qualify for California state disability. I’m obviously very concerned.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate any help or advice you can give me. I’m most interested in the recent law applied to my situation.

Best answer:

Answer by Leo D
Maybe. It depends how long your depression and anxiety lasts once you have real sober time. Since alcohol is a depressant, if you didn’t have depression before, permanent disability will be very hard to prove without qualifying events, I.e., death of a spouse or child, illness, tragic loss, etc.

Then he or a therapist might add PTSD and you’d have a better case.

You could try for temporary disability until you know where you are with some real sobriety under you. Interestingly, beer drinkers often also have wheat or yeast allergies that contribute to mood disorders. Take away the beer and things get much better in a month or two.

Unless you have severe depression, it will be hard to get temporary disability, but it’s worth trying to support your full-time sobriety effort for a few months.

Know that it can take 3-6 months to get approved in California and benefits are 400-800 a month. Can you live on that?

In the meantime, call 211 on your phone. It’s the United Way. They can give you resources for shelter, housing, free food banks, clothing and more.

The very best of luck to you. I know 4 beers doesn’t seem like much, but most people don’t drink every week, let alone every day… Bummer, but true… Lol! I’ll have you in my daily good wishes for a better life!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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Question by Curtis: Do I qualify for Cal-SDI with these ICD-9 codes as my diagnosis?
My doctor took me out of work after i went to him to seek treatment for severe stress and crippling anxiety related to that stress. After a short talk about my daily life and what was going on he put me on a short grocery list of medications and took me out of work for 8 weeks.
The primary diagnosis listed on the application was 300.02 (generalized anxiety disorder).
The secondary diagnosis was 291.81(alcohol with-drawl syndrome).
The notation for the diagnosis was “generalized anxiety disorder, depression, alcohol dependence and alcohol with-drawl.
The findings were “patient is undergoing severe anxiety and depression related to detoxing from alcohol”
My medications are Naltrexone, Gabapentin, Gydroxyzine,and Remeron. Some pretty heavy stuff.
It’s important to note that I did not go to my doctor because i felt i have a drinking problem. i drank nightly, but not heavily (1-4 beers a night after work). my doctor is a never-drink-again guru and that’s the path he decided to take, I have followed it to the letter.
My question is, with that primary and secondary diagnosis (not living in a treatment facility) do I qualify for California state disability. I’m obviously very concerned.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate any help or advice you can give me. I’m most interested in the recent law applied to my situation.

Best answer:

Answer by TheRavenAZ
Since the first diagnosis is caused by the secondary diagnosis, I don’t believe it’s a qualifying condition because it is a choice to drink. Not to mention, it’s temporary. Alcohol withdrawal will only last so long. You should be through it within the 8 weeks you have and the second condition should disappear.

They can’t allow people on disability for self inflicted abuse or any pertain who doesn’t want to work could go, abuse alcohol or drugs, then get on disability.

As for your medications:

Naltrexone: Helps patients with alcohol problems by keeping the body from wanting alcohol. 

Gabapentin: Treats certain types of seizures (which can happen during detox)

Gydroxyzine: (Hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. It is used primarily for the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested. It is also used as a anti-nausea, sedative and tranquilizer.

Remeron: Used to treat major depressive disorder.

All of these are appropriate drugs to get you through detox without so much pain and anxiety. You shouldn’t have to continue taking them forever.

BTW – If you’re drinking even 3 – 4 beers every single night after work, that is a lot of alcohol. 1-2 a night maybe not. If it wasn’t excessive, your body wouldn’t be going through withdrawals.

Give your answer to this question below!

Substance abuse involves using drugs and/or alcohol excessively.  Individuals with a substance abuse problem must make an effort to beat their addictions. This may involve them quitting on their own or entering a drug and alcohol rehab facility. Some individuals are able to overcome addictions without external help. However, many more people will require the support and expertise of another individual or need to enter a rehab center.

Individuals can become addicted to all types of substance.  Substance abuse may include the excessive use of the drugs like cocaine, heroin, prescription medications and also alcohol. Substance abuse not only negatively effects the persons who use the drugs or drink the alcohol but also those who love and care for them. A person may not be able to work or get a job because they are always high. Because they have few sources of income, it can be hard to take care of their basic needs and also those of their family if they have one.

Children of people with substance abuse problems also suffer a great deal. Not only will they not often have the physical things that they need such as a roof over their head, food and clothes, they also aren’t able to have a healthy relationship with their parent or family member who suffers from the addiction. For this reason and for others, it is very important that someone with a substance abuse problem does whatever is necessary to get help.

Overcoming substance abuse is rarely easy. Some people will struggle with it their entire lives.  However, it is possible. Many people do overcome their addictions and are able to lead a very normal, fulfilling and successful life.

A study done by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that just over 10 years ago, 13 million Americans were believed to use illicit drugs. That number has undoubtedly increased since then. It also found that nearly 10% of individuals that live in the United States were dependent on alcohol or abused it. This is a very large number of individuals. It is imperative that those numbers decrease because not only does alcohol and drug use and addiction have a negative impact on the person that uses or drinks, but also on society at large.

Fortunately there are many resources within the community that are designed to help people stop using drugs and abusing alcohol. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in every state, hundreds of them in some.  It is possible to enter a substance abuse treatment facility that works with individuals who use particular type drug such as opiates or prescription medication. These niche substance abuse facilities can offer targeted help. Many of these are affordable, some are even free.  One of the best things a person with substance abuse problems can do is to reach out and see what resources are available

Inpatient drug rehabilitation is also known as residential drug rehab. The terms can be used interchangeably and describe the same type of facility. Inpatient drug rehabilitation programs require the patient to live in the facility during their stay. They will sleep there, eat all of their meals and receive treatment at the facility. This allows the program’s counselors and support team to offer around-the-clock and intensive care. Inpatient drug rehabilitation is not for everyone, but it is ideal for some. Below, we will take a look at who might benefit most from this form of treatment.

1. Those in danger of relapsing if they go back home: Some individuals live in toxic environments that make it difficult for them to get clean or stay on course once they have stopped using drugs. One of the best ways for them to develop the strength that they need to get clean is to get out of that environment and into a safe, supportive one.

1. Those that can afford to: Some inpatient drug rehabilitation programs are pricey especially those that are private. However, for those who can afford such treatment and need it, should give it a try. Care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers the right environment to focus on getting rid of ones addiction.

1. Those who have had bad luck with outpatient programs: Individuals who have not had success with outpatient drug rehab may want to consider residential care. Maybe the more intensive environment where one is protected from the outside will serve the addict well and provide the attention and treatment he or she needs.

1. Those with a very serious addiction: Individuals with very serious may require inpatient drug rehabilitation. These types of facilities may be best equipped to handle individuals who need a lot of treatment and care. These persons would also likely have lots of difficulty staying clean if they had the freedom that being on one’s own allows for.

Inpatient drug rehabilitation is a good choice for persons who suffer from very severe addictions. It also a great fit for those who might be in danger of relapsing if they went back home. Some people will be tempted to begin using drugs again if they are around the people that they routinely got high with. Inpatient drug rehabilitation will ensure that a person is about to get away from those negative influences until hopefully they are strong enough to stay away from these individuals themselves. This type of treatment can also be very helpful for persons that have severe addictions. These individuals will need intensive care and that is exactly what inpatient drug rehabilitation makes available.