When the need for addiction treatment arises, cost can often pose a barrier that prevents people from getting the help they need. Unfortunately, many individuals who are suffering from substance use disorder do not receive the necessary treatment, as not everyone has health insurance or the means to pay out-of-pocket for private rehab services.
Luckily, there are other free or low-cost treatment options out there, which we will outline in this article. Money should never be an obstacle that gets in the way of your journey towards health and sobriety.
Free Rehab Near Me: Is Rehab Free?
If you are eligible, you can benefit from non-profit rehab centers or free rehab programs. These free rehabs may receive their funding from various places, including charitable contributions, private donations, and government grants. Some treatment facilities may offer scholarships to patients that cannot afford the cost of the treatment, which allows these individuals to receive treatment in private rehab facilities at more affordable costs.
The following is a list of programs that offer financial aid to rehabs. These help towards the coverage of costs of detox, inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) grants
- Medicare and Medicaid
- State and locally funded addiction treatment programs
- Obamacare (Affordable Care Act)
- S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
To find a free rehab near you, you can begin your search by using SAMHSA’s online directory of substance use treatment providers, where you can find local, affordable rehab options. You can also reach out to local churches and faith-based organizations to ask if they offer free rehab services.
Moreover, some government or state-funded rehab centers offer free treatment, so call them and inquire about it.
Pros and Cons of Free Rehab Centers
Understandably, free rehab has great advantages. However, it comes with its own set of disadvantages too, which we will discuss below.
Advantages of Free Rehab Centers
- Price: Obviously, the greatest advantage of free rehab is that it’s entirely free. Despite not having the means to pay for treatment, treatment can still be obtained by those suffering financially.
- Care: Free rehabilitation programs are usually directed by competent and skilled personnel, just like in any other paid rehab facility.
- Availability: There are free rehab facilities located in many states across the country. Finding a facility in your area is usually easy, so there is no need to travel far.
Disadvantages Of Free Rehab Centers
- Older equipment and facilities: Free rehab centers have limited access to the latest equipment, technology and high-class accommodations, which can result in a slower healing process. Same goes for new therapies.
- Long waiting list: Since many people are attracted to the concept of joining a rehab that’s practically free, the waiting list is usually long and one must wait a while before being admitted. For those in need of immediate care and attention, time is of the essence. Overdose, stronger addiction and additional medical issues can arise as a result of waiting.
- Distrust: In government-funded rehabs, people with SUD are usually afraid to reveal personal information to caregivers or therapists, out of fear of any unsavory details being repeated to the authorities and landing them into trouble with the law.
State-Funded Free Detox Centers Near Me
If you’re looking to join a rehab without insurance, most states offer free drug and alcohol programs through various treatment centers that can be entered without insurance. The following must usually be proven before being allowed access to the programs:
- Lack of insurance coverage and means to pay for treatment
- Legal residence in the US
The requirements will vary between different states, and people in dire situations are usually given priority. Moreover, the waiting list is usually very long, as there are more people than available spots.
Other Types of Free Drug Rehab Centers Near Me
There are several types of drug and alcohol programs, including:
- Non-profit treatment centers: There are many non-profit organizations that may supply the funding for free rehab facilities or manage their own treatment centers.
- Faith-based free drug and alcohol rehab centers: In faith-based programs, much emphasis is placed on religion and spirituality, which they believe can contribute a great deal to the success of the recovery process.
- Free online rehab: For those that cannot attend support groups, online rehab classes is another option. One could benefit from the support, reassurance and advice from other addicts. These courses are usually difficult to follow through as they’re self-administered, so a lot of self-resolve and patience is required.
- Privately-owned rehabs: Some facilities may offer free services. Other facilities will offer sliding scale fees. Contact them to hear about their offers.
How To Get into Free Inpatient Rehab Near Me
Getting into free rehab isn’t difficult. There are many available resources that could guide you to a rehab that matches your requirements.
- Contact Avenues Rehab Center and we’ll help you understand the benefits available to you.
- Check if you’re eligible for publicly funded health care. According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mental health and substance use disorders require the same coverage as any other medical care, so your insurance may cover that.
- SAMHSA’s Behavioral Treatment Services Locator will help you find the nearest free rehab.
- Contact your state agency to find out about any government-funded rehab programs that you could join.
To join these programs, you’ll have to prove your eligibility as well as your low income. To enter a faith-based program, you might have to share the religious beliefs of that particular organization.
Who Qualifies for Free Rehab?
As discussed, to be accepted to the programs, certain criteria must be met. For example, legal residence in that particular state must be proven, or specific religious beliefs must be shared.
- The main way to qualify for free treatment is lacking the income or the means to be able to afford the treatment.
- Another factor that enables you to qualify for free rehab is not having insurance coverage.
However, there are also some people that receive priority due to their social or physical state. These include:
- Pregnant women
- Veterans
- People with residence in the state
- Pregnant women that are abusing IV drugs
- Members of a faith community that runs a faith-based rehab
- Women addicted to drugs or alcohol within a year of giving birth
Free Rehab: A Final Word
Ready to take that first step towards a sober lifestyle, but don’t have insurance coverage or the means to pay for treatment? Don’t let that deter you from achieving your dream of recovery. With the countless free options and resources available to help you get there, you can turn your dreams into reality. Contact us at Avenues Recovery so that we can guide you on the option best suited to you. Our skilled admissions team will ease the process of finding the correct rehab and starting treatment. Reach out to us today to get the care and support you deserve.