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I am simultaneously overwhelmed by the amount of options and lack of options to seek medical care. I have been heavy drinking for years and haven’t been to a doctor in a long time. I’m concerned that I’ve developed multiple health issues, such as high BP, diabetes and fatty liver. I’m looking to take the first step for medical care and my health.

I feel like I’ve exhausted online research and gotten no where. I searched my insurance provider directory (thankfully I have good insurance, UHC) and ZocDoc, and I get overwhelmed. Their search options are less than helpful. I feel like all the standard PCP appts are for 20 minutes, and I’ll be waved away to interpret lab results by myself, even though I have serious emerging chronic health problems and need long-term comprehensive care (which are increasingly becoming worrying and possibly urgent). And all the results for “Substance Use” yield a bunch of therapists who obviously can’t do my blood work.

I’m interested in medication-assisted treatment, possibly even inpatient care (though from what I’ve read, outpatient services are often best as inpatient substance abuse centers can be… predatory and not evidence based, and I’d have to go out of state?). I understand the first appointment might not go into MAT, but it would be great to see the same doctor or a doctor in the same practice group. How does this generally work in terms of what to expect for the general physical and subsequent appts? Any recommendations for doctors that would be well equipped to handle these complexities related to alcoholism?

Past posts have mentioned NYC Well, but I’m not looking for a therapist or support group. I mean, I am, but that’s seems easier to find. I’m having trouble finding medical care specifically. Am I mistaken: can NYC Well make a referral for a PCP that specializes in non-judgmental medical care for alcoholism?

People also mentioned going to hospitals for mental health crises and getting good care and detox treatments at hospitals in NYC. I feel stupid asking. Do you literally walk into the ER? Lol, I feel like there has to be a better option that also isn’t a $500 copay vs. a free one (for an annual medical) or a specialist ($50) that can still lead in detox at the hospital. I’m not in crisis, but I do sometimes want to just walk into a rehab clinic, get all my medical work done, and stay there for a week/weeks until I’m better. For any folks who have done this for alcoholism, how do you even prepare to walk into the hospital, like do you bring a suitcase? I feel so stupid asking these questions, but I’m struggling to understand the logistics… and I feel so stupid!

My health insurance covers virtual PCP appointments. Would that be a good starting point? I feel bad wasting a physician’s time to just talk through this. I also feel like it’s all really raw, and I don’t want to have to tell my story a bunch of times and get doctors who are judgy and impatient.

Overall, I’m scared, I’m tired, and I keep getting to this point where I’m ready to seek help, but I end up with 40 browser tabs and no clear first steps. Everything online says it’s dangerous to stop drinking as a heavy drinker without medical supervision, but for the life of me, I can’t find a name and a phone number for someone who can actually do that for me.

Does anyone have advice? Recommendations for any doctors/medical groups that specialize in substance use disorders? Really appreciate if anyone can share their experiences.

ETA: Thank you all so much for the incredible support and guidance! I’m overwhelmed in the best way possible, feeling hopeful and less lost. I am awed and feel blessed that there is so much kindness and helpfulness and community when you admit you’ve lost your way and ask for help. Thank you!!!