Is there Really Free Help for Opiate Addiction?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 1.9 million people nationwide are abusing opioids. Opioids offer a high that’s similar to making them highly addictive. Commonly abused opioids are:

• Percocet
• Oxicodone
• Codeine
• Oxycontin
• Roxicodone
• Morphine

For those addicted to opiates, the addiction is so strong and hard to beat that addicts often need help to get clean, but truly could use some free help for opiate addiction.

Opiate addictions cost money and addicts often find themselves in financial ruin from the cost of their habit. Fortunately, there REALLY is free help for opiate addiction for people that can’t afford tens of thousands of dollars on a private treatment center.

Free Helplines

You can find rehab programs that are free and work within your financial capabilities.

There are several toll-free drug addiction helplines and you can find them on any search engine. Helplines not only direct you to local support groups and Narcotics Anonymous groups, but can assist you in finding local resources for other free programs. Make sure the helpline you choose has a confidentiality clause that protects your contact information.

Helplines work to help you tailor a customized recovery plan. Like every person, every addiction is different and your treatment plan should be customized for your personal needs, your financial situation, and your family’s dynamic and needs.

Narcotics Anonymous

Most people are familiar with Alcoholics Anonymous; it’s sister program for drug addicts is Narcotics Anonymous. The program costs nothing to join; at meetings a collection basket circulates to cover group expenses, but you’re not required to give if you can’t.

When you join a Narcotics Anonymous group and are serious about beating your addiction, you’re given a sponsor to help you work the program. The program consists of working 12 steps designed to help you connect with your higher power, look deep inside your past and yourself for the reasons you began using, and to help you make amends where you can.

People who work the 12 steps and participate in at least one weekly meeting for three years are four to six times more likely to stay clean.

Support Groups

Narcotics Anonymous is a support group, but it’s not the only kind available. There are other groups that can help you if you don’t find a fit in a 12-step program. If you can’t find one via the helpline, contact some local churches and rehab centers for help. Developing friendships will help hold you accountable in your abstinence and give you a place to open up about your struggles and feelings during recovery.

Treatment Centers

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency that focuses on lowering the effects of drug addiction on families and communities. Part of SAMHSA funding goes toward subsidizing treatment to those who qualify. On SAMHSA’s website (www.samhsa.gov) you can search for treatment facilities that offer free or reduced treatment.

Finding free help for opiate addiction isn’t as hard as you think now that you know where to start.