Substance use
Substance use disorders impact people from all walks of life and can have serious consequences for physical health, emotional wellbeing and relationships.
Recovery is possible
If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol, opioids, or other substances, you're not alone and help is available.
Substance use can affect how you think, feel, and relate to others. It might show up as cravings, feeling like you need a substance to get through the day, or continuing to use even when it’s causing problems at home, work or in relationships.
These challenges can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota offers compassionate support and a variety of services including virtual care and specialized treatment programs to help you take the next step toward wellness.
Find care for substance use disorder
Use your plan benefits to help treat substance use issues.
Virtual and in-person options are available for most members.*
Alcohol Use Disorder
Care for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is more than just drinking too much; it’s a health condition that can affect your health, relationships, and daily life. If you find yourself drinking more or longer than you intended, struggling to cut back, or noticing that alcohol is interfering with your responsibilities, it might be time to reach out for support. Alcohol use can contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety or irritability even when you're not drinking.
You don’t have to face this alone. Blue Cross offers a range of options to help you take control, including therapy, medication, and support groups. Whether you're just starting to explore your relationship with alcohol or you're ready to make a change, there are resources available to guide you every step of the way.
Pelago
Virtual substance use treatment for alcohol and opioids
Pelago offers 24/7 virtual care for those seeking help with alcohol use disorder and/or opioid use disorder. Pelago provides you with a personalized action plan for eligible members looking to change their relationship with alcohol or overcome opioid dependence.
Call 877-349-7755
Currently not available for Medicare and Medicaid.
Find in-person substance use care
Search for in-network doctors and providers in your area. Log in for current plan coverage.
Opioid Use Disorder
Care for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) can happen when someone becomes dependent on prescription pain medications, heroin or synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It’s not just about taking too much; it’s about how these substances begin to affect your body, your mind, and your ability to live the life you want.
You might notice that you need more of the substance to feel the same effect, experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or find yourself using even when it’s causing harm to your health, relationships or responsibilities. The risk of overdose is real, but so is the hope for recovery.
Blue Cross offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment options to support you. This includes medication-assisted therapy (MAT), which combines medications with counseling to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, access to individual and group counseling, and overdose prevention resources.
Pelago
Virtual substance use treatment for alcohol and opioids
Pelago offers 24/7 virtual care for those seeking help with alcohol use disorder and/or opioid use disorder. Pelago provides you with a personalized action plan for eligible members looking to change their relationship with alcohol or overcome opioid dependence.
Call 877-349-7755
Currently not available for Medicare and Medicaid.
Find in-person substance use care
Search for in-network doctors and providers in your area. Log in for current plan coverage.
Other Substance Use Disorders
Care for other substance use disorders
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) aren’t limited to alcohol or opioids. They can involve a range of substances, including stimulants (like cocaine or methamphetamine), sedatives, hallucinogens, inhalants, or even prescription medications used in ways not intended. These substances can affect your brain, body or behavior and lead to challenges in daily life. You might find yourself using more than you planned, struggling to stop or continuing to use despite negative consequences.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Blue Cross provides access to personalized treatment options tailored to your needs. No matter where you are in your journey, resources are available to support your health and wellbeing.
Find substance use care
Search for in-network doctors and providers in your area. Log in for current plan coverage.
Learn to Live
Learn to Live program
Many people do not get help for mental health because access to treatment is limited and expensive.
Learn to Live is a free online program available to many Blue Cross members and their families (age 13 or older). It's a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program that focuses on problem solving and changing behaviors.
The self-paced programs help you identify the problem(s), understand how your mind works, then learn and practice ways to deal with the problem(s).
Learn to Live
Minnesota Recovery Connection
Recovery community
Minnesota Recovery Connection (MRC) is a Recovery Community Organization dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journey. They offer free peer-to-peer recovery support, harm reduction coaching, and telephone recovery services to help people stay connected and empowered.
MRC also provides advocacy and education to reduce stigma and promote understanding. Honoring all pathways to recovery, MRC partners with hospitals, justice systems, and housing programs to ensure individuals receive the support they need, wherever they are in their journey.
Minnesota Recovery Connection
General Behavioral Health
General behavioral health support
Not every journey to recovery starts with intensive treatment.
For many members living with substance use, lower levels of care, like psychotherapy or "talk therapy," can be a powerful first step. These therapies offer a confidential, safe space to explore the underlying emotions, habits, and experiences that may contribute to substance use.
Headway
The care you want with insurance coverage
Headway simplifies finding an in-network mental health provider with upfront costs, insurance checks, and instant booking across 20+ specialties.
Call 646-941-7645
growtherapy
Makes finding a great therapist easy
Book online and see a qualified therapist who fits your needs. Online or in-person, it's therapy on your terms.
Call 786-244-3504
Rula
Mental health specialized to you
Schedule an appointment with a licensed provider from various backgrounds and specialties. Serving ages 5+.
Call 323-642-3806
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping support
Tobacco use and vaping is an addiction, and stopping can require extra support. Blue Cross is co-chair of Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, a coalition of more than 60 organizations that share a common goal of reducing youth smoking and ending tobacco’s harm for good.
Smoking and vaping support
Get personalized guidance for developing a quit plan and ongoing support from a wellness coach.
More support
Case managers
Get the support you need to achieve your health goals from a Blue Cross behavioral health case manager.
How to connect with a case manager
This benefit is not available for all plans. To confirm eligibility, log in to your account.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card to connect with a case manager.
*Some programs and services may not be offered with your health plan. Log in to your account or call the number on the back of your member ID card to verify coverage.
Each healthcare provider is an independent contractor and not our agent.
Learn to Live, Inc. is an independent company providing online cognitive behavioral therapy programs and services.
Charlie Health is an independent company that provides mental healthcare services.
Grow Therapy is an independent company that provides virtual and in-person behavioral health services.
Headway is an independent company that provides virtual and in-person behavioral health services.
Rula is an independent company that provides virtual and in-person behavioral health services.
Pelago is in independent company that provides virtual behavioral health services.