If you want to recover from substance addiction, you have to go for treatment. Otherwise, the condition will become worse. Even though some people suffering from addiction have quit by themselves, this kind of recovery is often unstable because most people who choose this option eventually relapse. It is especially challenging when someone wants to quit but does not have the funds to get assistance. So, is it possible for one to get into drug rehab for free?
Considering drug addiction is a recognized condition, there are free public treatment programs available. Free alcohol and drug rehab facilities are meant to help people suffering from substance abuse problems who lack the means to pay for treatment. Such facilities usually offer various services and treatments ranging from long-term inpatient care to detoxification. Funding sources for these free drug rehab centers will vary, but they typically include government grants, private donations, and charitable contributions. Some organizations also grant scholarships to individuals who cannot afford rehabilitation, enabling them to get treatment at private drug rehab facilities.
The problem with free drug rehab programs is they are usually over-saturated and have long waiting times. Some charity organizations and local support groups also offer free drug rehab programs. However, one of the biggest challenges towards recovery from substance addiction is that most people do not know where to get free drug rehab. When looking for drug rehabilitation facilities on the internet, private clinics will often come up first. Sorting through all this information from different search engines can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
What to Consider When Looking for Free Drug Rehab
Anyone looking for free drug rehab may have to consider the likelihood of facing long waiting lists before getting treatment. There are also some limitations when opting for free drug rehab because the treatment could be free for you, but it still needs to be paid for. These free drug rehab plans are typically funded by charitable donations from the public or by taxpayers’ money through the government. Just because someone wants free drug rehab, it does not mean they will be automatically accepted into these programs. This is because their services are limited to what they can offer, and they can only prioritize those who need the treatment. Before being accepted into any free drug rehab program, individuals are evaluated and assessed thoroughly.
Types of Free Drug Rehab Programs
Non-Profit Programs
Various non-profit organizations run treatment facilities or offer to fund free drug rehab centers for those who need them. These organizations also campaign for supportive legislation, raise awareness, and assist people suffering from addiction. Most non-profit organizations focus on providing recovery and treatment services to certain disadvantaged populations such as teens, young women, and people suffering from co-occurring mental disorders.
Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programs
Various organizations provide free alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs centered around faith. Most of these programs do not expect the participants to have any specific religious beliefs. Within these rehab programs, people suffering from substance addiction will search for direction from a higher power to help them remain strong as they work towards recovery. Some well-known addiction treatment programs with a deep-rooted religious mindset include Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They are support-based associations are founded on a 12-step technique that includes:
- Admitting one’s powerlessness
- Acceptance that only a higher can help you
- Turning your life and will over to God
- Preparing a moral inventory
- Admitting one’s wrongs
- Being ready to allow God to clear away your shortcomings
- Making amends with the people you have wronged or harmed
- Developing one’s deliberate contact with God through meditation and prayer
- Spreading God’s word
Government Funded Programs
There are several government-funded rehab programs available that are free of charge to individuals who need them. Such programs include the ones extended at federal government-financed and state-funded facilities, such as treatment centers and hospitals managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some government organizations also offer grants to private and public non-profit drug rehab facilities to cover the treatment costs directly for those who cannot afford to.
Who Can Get Free Drug Rehab?
The drug rehab facilities managed by non-profit organizations will typically offer payment assistance for people who require their treatment services. Some non-profits will provide free treatment at private facilities via scholarships or rehabilitation centers. Most religious associations also offer payment assistance to people who meet the requirements. At the same time, some of them provide free faith-based alcohol and drug rehab as part of their ministry duties.
Many government-financed rehabilitation programs have tough requirements for qualification. Anyone who applies for these programs will probably be required to indicate proof of citizenship, state residency, lack of sufficient insurance, and income. Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation programs are only accessible to qualified veterans being cared for by the VA system. Such free drug rehab treatment programs comprise different services such as psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and detoxification.
Individuals who are on probation are usually required to pay for their court-ordered rehab. Courts never settle people’s addiction treatment. Some centers are typically established for court-ordered rehabilitation that offer services depending on a sliding scale. If the person who needs treatment does not have any income, they will probably not have to pay any money for their treatment.
Alternative Options for People Who Cannot Afford Treatment
Fortunately, if you want to get clean but cannot pay for drug rehab treatment, then there are other options you can look at.
Online Rehab
The fees for online drug rehab are usually reduced compared to those of conventional treatment programs. The programs can also differ based on the specifics of the approaches they use. These plans provide private addiction treatment and convenient scheduling for patients through the internet. They mostly include recovery tools, peer support, and group/individual sessions led by counselors. As a self-administered program, it can only be successful if you are determined and have discipline.
Clinical Trials
Another alternative to keep in mind is participation in clinical trial studies. The Clinical Trials database has an extensive list of publicly and privately funded clinical studies being done globally. You can use this database to look for drug rehab clinical studies that are currently taking participants. These programs offer treatment for free and will compensate you for your participation and time.
Payment Plans
Alternatively, most alcohol and drug rehab centers can work with patients to develop a customized payment plan which includes options such as private financing, payment assistance, or sliding scales.
Finding the right free drug rehab program can be intimidating and underwhelming but does not have to be an exhausting process. You can ask for help from loved ones, addiction counselors, or medical professionals for help in getting free treatment options.
