Is Free Drug Rehab Really Effective?

There are many people who struggle with addictions to drugs or alcohol every day and every day someone decides to get help for their addiction. So, what if you want help but can’t afford treatment? There are many drug treatment facilities that provide treatment to those who do not have the resources to pay, but you may wonder if the treatment is as effective in a free drug treatment center.

Does it Work?

Yes. Though not all drug rehabilitation facilities offer free treatment, there are many treatment options through government funded rehabilitation facilities. Most drug rehabilitation facilities have different levels of treatment services, depending on the residents ability to pay. Drug rehabilitation is often covered by Medicaid which is federally funded insurance for low income households.

The treatment provided is the same at any level and generally includes a detoxification process, intense counseling sessions, and long term treatment for after care, but of course some have the extra money to spare no expense to be kept in upscale surroundings. Where private rooms are offered and massage and spa services are available, etc. Studies show that this makes no difference in the success of an addicts long term recovery.

Medicaid Funded Long Term Residential Treatment

Government funded long term residential treatment facilities are programs that usually last for six to twelve months. Residents are generally responsible for sharing household responsibilities such as preparing meals, cleaning and basic chores at the home. Living conditions are not fancy. Most rooms are dorm style with up to four residents to each room. Residents follow strict routines of when to wake up, eat, study, sleep etc. This helps to reprogram the brain and get the person in recovery back on a normal schedule.

Because mental health problems often are an underlying problem with drug addiction, counseling and medication may be necessary to stabilize the patient. Once the body is rid of the drug following detox, intense one on one and group counseling sessions will help to uncover any other problems the patient might be experiencing that further the addiction many suffering with mental health issues will try to self-medicate to treat problems they might not even realize they have.

Medicaid Funded Short Term Residential Treatment

Free rehab centers can help you break the chains of addiction.

There are also short term residential treatment programs that are government funded. According to NIDA at “short-term residential programs provide intensive but relatively brief treatment based on a modified 12-step approach”. Shorter term programs were originally designed to treat alcohol and cocaine addictions, but the programs have grown to include many other drugs as well such as marijuana and psychedelic drugs that were not previously thought to be addictive.

Long Term Recovery/After Care

Addiction is an incurable disease that will need to be managed for the rest of a recovering addicts life. It is vital to continue treatment once released from a treatment facility to prevent relapse later on down the road. Studies have shown that continuing after care drug treatment through community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcanon help to reinforce the positive changes of recovery learned during the inpatient stay.

If you are believe you need help with an addiction and don’t know where to start use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).