6 Ways To Access Free Addiction Care

Getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can be expensive, making accessing care difficult for many people. However, there are several free and low-cost care options available. 

This includes free rehab centers, which don’t charge anything, or very little, for their programs, as well as rehab centers that accept various forms of payment assistance and types of health insurance. 

To qualify for care at one of these behavioral health centers, you or your loved one may have to provide financial documents to prove your inability to pay. 

How Much Does Drug And Alcohol Treatment Cost?

The cost of drug and alcohol treatment can vary widely depending on several different factors. 

A less intensive outpatient program may cost less than $100 a day, while intensive detox or residential treatment centers with hospitalization can add up to tens of thousands of dollars a month. 

The facilities, amenities, and types of recovery services offered can also affect cost significantly, but the average range for a month in a rehabilitation center is anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000. 

Different Types Of Free Or Low-Cost Drug Rehab Centers

Although the cost of addiction treatment can be daunting, there are options if you are unable to pay or don’t have private health insurance. 

State-Funded Rehab Facilities 

State-funded rehab facilities are paid for through tax dollars and provide addiction care to people who otherwise can’t afford it. 

People who attend these programs often have to provide various forms of documentation of eligibility, such as proof of citizenship or annual income amounts. 

These programs may offer inpatient or outpatient levels of care. Since they are state-funded, they may not have the very latest treatment options available, but they are still effective. 

Some state-funded programs are operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are designated specifically for former military members. 

Nonprofit Addiction Treatment Centers 

Nonprofit rehab centers are privately funded organizations that use donations and other funding to provide care. They may completely or partially cover the cost of addiction treatment. 

Since they are private rehab centers, they may have their own qualifications for entry. Some treatment providers cater to specific groups, such as women or minority populations. 

Faith-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Programs 

Faith-based addiction recovery centers, such as Adult & Teen Challenge or The Salvation Army, often provide free treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. 

Although these religious organizations use belief in a higher power as part of their rehabilitation programs, they typically don’t require people to belong to a specific faith upon entry. 

Many faith-based rehab programs are also nonprofits and receive funding through donations, grants, or scholarships. 

Peer Recovery Support Groups 

While peer recovery support groups don’t provide the same treatments as a rehab center, they are an evidence-based treatment option for addiction.

These groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and more. They may or may not use the 12-step recovery approach. 

People can find meetings daily or weekly throughout the country, either in-person or online, and they are usually free to attend. 

Financial Assistance To Pay For Addiction Treatment

If you are unable to find a free or low-cost addiction treatment center that meets your needs, you can also try exploring alternative payment options offered by some rehab centers. 

Government-Funded Health Insurance 

Much like state-funded rehab programs, government-funded health insurance uses tax dollars to help citizens with low incomes cover the costs of healthcare. 

Common plans include Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and TRICARE military insurance. 

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance providers are required to cover some form of addiction treatment, so any ACA plan can help you access recovery care. 

Payment Assistance Options 

Some drug rehab centers offer payment assistance to help people without health insurance coverage access their rehabilitation services. 

Forms of financial assistance can include payment plans, sliding scales, grant funding, or scholarships. These rehab centers may be able to help clients apply for low-cost health insurance as well. 

Although they can be challenging to find, some treatment facilities may offer evidence-based clinical trials or studies where clients can participate in experimental treatments at no charge. 

How To Find Free Addiction Treatment Programs

There are a few simple ways to search for free or low-cost drug and alcohol rehab centers near you. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a treatment locator that can help you search for free and low-cost facilities in your area. 

You can also try contacting your healthcare provider to ask for referrals or reaching out to churches and community center helplines for non-profit organizations and support group options. 

Asking for help can feel intimidating, but it’s a crucial first step in the recovery process. By taking this step, you’ve already begun the journey to sobriety. 

Get Help For A Substance Use Disorder Today

If you or a loved one is facing drug addiction or alcohol abuse, don’t wait to find care. Contact FreeRehabCenters.net today to learn about the addiction recovery options available to you. 

Published on October 11, 2023

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff