Drug Addiction Treatment Options for Those with Limited Budget

People who suffer from the physical and emotional effects of drug addiction happen to face financial challenges as well. They live in poverty, are unemployed or even homeless. Unfortunately, those who get into such a complicated situation can’t afford to receive treatment. Some of these individuals really want to break their addiction. They try to quit cold-turkey or undergo at-home detox which is dangerous.

There’s always a way out. Some people just don’t know that there’re affordable or even free options for them or their family members. Here’re they.

Finding Affordable Rehab

Millions of Americans could benefit from proper addiction treatment if only they knew where to seek for it. A free rehab (find more here) is not a myth; moreover, it can save your life or a life of your beloved one.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducted a national survey of 14,311 facilities across the US in 2012. 50% of them offered free help for addicts who couldn’t pay for the services. Almost a quarter of the rehabs were private, for-profit facilities. Use of a sliding fee scale was reported by 62% of these facilities.

Why do so few people know about the possibilities to get cheaper or even free addiction treatment? Because addiction rehab centers don’t publically advertise these special offers.

If you need this opportunity, just ask your doctor: “Is there free drug counseling near me”? You’ll probably be advised to contact one of the following facilities.

State-Funded Rehab

State-funded drug rehab centers help people overcome addiction utilizing state and federal funding to cover the cost of treatment. In most states, free addiction treatment is available to addicts with no income via public mental health or substance abuse treatment centers. To get approved for a client of such center, an individual has to have:

• official residence in the state
• the United States legal residence
• no insurance
• lack of/no income
• medical records as proof of addiction status and need for intervention.

Funding for state treatment is limited and the number of individuals who need treatment is constantly growing. This means there’s a constant queue of people waiting to get accepted into these rehabs. Prioritized access to state-funded drug treatment programs have:

• pregnant women;
• women who have given birth to a child in the past year;
• individuals who are the IV drug abusers.

Faith-Based Rehab

Faith-based treatment focuses on a spiritual solution to substance abuse. Each faith-based rehab is designed for people with a particular religious belief. For example, a Christian treatment center approaches recovery from a Christian perspective. It focuses on clients curing addiction by strengthening their relationships with Christ.

There’re traditional methods of addiction treatment used in these centers. Inpatient and outpatient facilities are available. By joining a religious organization, recovering addicts form new social bonds and receive the support that was often missing during the periods of addiction.

While there’re some who benefit from a single religious or spiritual experience, this is not the only focus of a professional faith-based treatment setting. Clients participate in individual and group consultations. Therapy sessions are aimed at helping the addicts to understand the underlying causes of addiction and learn to avoid relapse.

Some alcohol and drug users also suffer from mental illnesses and behavioral disorders. Faith-based treatment centers can help with any needed therapy or medications.

Additional Options to Consider

Now you know how to get into rehab with no money. But while you’re on the waiting list or still searching a rehab, you can find support at the following places.

Mutual Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous has become synonymous with the concept of addiction rehabilitation in general. It’s a worldwide fellowship that provides active support to those who struggle with alcoholism. To some extent, certain meetings of the program fit all people struggling with substance abuse.

This organization is funded by its members. Their voluntary donations make it possible to provide free help to those who need it.

Online Recovery Support

In the age of the Internet, any recovery program – be it free or commercial – has an active online presence. Resources for those willing to quit drinking or doing drugs include email groups, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and instant messenger groups.

Professional Rehab Centers

Yes, treatment in a residential treatment center can be very expensive, especially if it isn’t covered by insurance. However, some of the facilities offer alternative payment options, payment assistance or sliding-scale fees. Sometimes the sum is divided into manageable monthly payments and spread over years.

Moreover, some organizations, such as SAMHSA, offer scholarships to help people on a low budget pay for treatment. Some treatment centers provide financing, and there’re even loan companies founded specifically for the purpose of financing treatment for individuals. And it’s worth it to ask close people to assist with the cost of treatment.

Why it’s Important to Get Professional Substance Abuse Treatment, No Matter Your Financial Situation?

One may think that there’s no point in filling out all the forms for getting into free drug rehabilitation center with no money as being on a waiting list won’t make one sober. However, it’s vital to get professional help. 95% of untreated addicts die of their addiction. Here’s why rehabs are necessary:

• Rehab specialists can guide you safely through the detoxification process, making it as comfortable as possible. It can be extremely dangerous to attempt to detox from drugs or alcohol at home or quit substance use cold-turkey without medical supervision. Some substances, such as benzodiazepines, can provoke withdrawal syndromes that can be fatal without quick emergency care. The best option in risky cases is to gradually wean addicts off a drug.
• Even if a detox process doesn’t have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, they can still be severe and an individual can relapse. Doctors can prescribe medication, such as methadone or buprenorphine, to facilitate the withdrawal process.
• Rehab facilities provide counseling sessions for patients to understand why they started abusing drugs or alcohol. Defining the roots of the problem is a huge step to recovery.
• Addiction greatly changes brain chemistry and structure. It does take time and specialized treatment to heal. Rehab facilities provide patients with aftercare support to promote a long-term, substance-free life.

When you look for a free addiction help, consider every option. Remember, who searches, finds