Substance use & addictive behavior support
Receive a confidential assessment from a trained professional and referrals for treatment centers within your insurance plan.
"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step." -- Naeem Callaway
Are you, or is someone close to you, affected by substance use or other addictive behaviors?
MAP has trained professionals who offer confidential support and can provide specific recommendations for members and their family members, including referrals for treatment and other resources.
Please call 1‑212‑701‑9620, or email maprecovery [at] uft [dot] org (MAPrecovery[at]uft[dot]org) to arrange for a confidential conversation.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or 1‑866‑UFT‑FOR‑U (a free and confidential union mental health helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).
"A little over a year ago, I met with you and you kindly and generously walked me through some of my options for treatments. You then helped me do intake at a facility, arranging the time and date of my stay.
When I came to the MAP office, I was terrified. I was afraid of losing my job and I was afraid of what it meant to go to rehab. Your calm disposition put me at ease. You made me feel respected and listened to. You were so welcoming and understanding. For my recovery, to have you on my side, for you to be one of the first people who helped me, it was exactly what I needed.
Today, I celebrate one year of sobriety.
Thank you so much for your professionalism and your humanity. You helped me get to where I am today."
- Member testimonial
A list of the most commonly asked questions.
While this varies with your insurance, usually if you go to an in-network facility, your insurance covers treatment and you will be responsible for a modest co-payment. Contact your insurance company to understand what your out-of-pocket responsibility would be. The UFT Member Assistance Program may be able to help with insurance pre-authorization, allowing you to get the maximum benefit of being in treatment.
The Member Assistance Program can help you understand the next steps. Everyone’s journey towards recovery looks different and it can feel overwhelming to navigate it. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to MAP at 212-701-9620, or email maprecovery [at] uft [dot] org (MAPrecovery[at]uft[dot]org) for more information.
If you need a more immediate resource with specific times and days for a group, you may look at the New York Inter-Group schedule. SMART Recovery is also a great source of support for those who do not align with a traditional 12-step model. The Member Assistance Program is also offering a free and confidential support group for members who are in recovery or seeking recovery.
Addiction is a disease of the brain and as such requires medical attention. If you decide to go to inpatient rehab, it is your responsibility to contact your payroll secretary and principal prior to your admission and inform them that you will be taking an extended leave and will be filing for it accordingly on the Department of Education’s Self-Service Online Leave Application System (SOLAS). The reason for your leave is your confidential medical information that is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and SOLAS will not share that information with your colleagues or administration. If you have questions about taking a leave, you may contact the medical division liaison between the UFT and DOE at 212-598-7711.
Life is what happens after treatment, therefore aftercare is extremely important! Effective aftercare means attending support groups, having a sponsor and being in consistent therapy. Remember, addiction is a disease that requires attention. If you need any help with this, contact the Member Assistance Program at 212-701-9620, or email maprecovery [at] uft [dot] org (MAPrecovery[at]uft[dot]org). We are here to support you on your journey to health and wellness!