How Can I Get Free Help With Addiction?

Quitting addiction can be tough, but the right kind of help makes it easier. For many people struggling with addictions, though, the cost of inpatient or outpatient substance abuse rehab programs can make it seem impossible to take those first steps toward recovery. With options including a variety of insurance options and government funded rehab programs, it’s possible to get that all-important help with addiction – free of charge.

Finding the Right Help for Addictions

Options abound for getting help with addictions, and not all of them are right for everyone. Inpatient rehab programs offer residential stays ranging from 30 days up to six months or more. Partial hospitalization programs offer intensive rehab support while patients spend weekends and evenings at home. Outpatient programs offer services such as counseling and medication while allowing recovering substance abusers to maintain their ‘regular’ lives and jobs.

Rehab services can target individual addictions and related issues, too. Inpatient and outpatient rehabs for alcohol or heroin, and specific types of addiction such as prescription medications, can offer the specific support needed for withdrawal and recovery. For people with mental health conditions along with addiction, dual diagnosis programs provide services targeted to managing both issues. Other services are available for specific populations, such as women, or those with HIV/AIDS along with addiction.

Whatever kind of rehab is right for you, it’s likely that you can get the services you need at little or no cost.

Most Insurance Covers Rehab

If you have Medicaid, your rehab treatment may be covered.

Whether inpatient or outpatient, just about every type of rehab program accepts a variety of insurance policies – and most of these have provisions for mental health and substance abuse treatment in approved facilities. These carriers also cover medications as deemed necessary for treatment and recovery such as buprenorphine and suboxone. Methadone may be covered, although some insurance carriers restrict it to pain management, not substance abuse treatment.

Within policy limits, insurance accepted by private and public inpatient and outpatient rehabs can cover medical detox and withdrawal as well as inpatient rehab stays, but there may be limits on the length of time.

Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act

Government-sponsored programs Medicare and Medicaid also cover a variety of rehab-related services, and the Affordable Care Act mandates the provision of addiction related services in basic healthcare packages.

For those over 65, Medicare’s Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (medical services) can cover the costs of inpatient, outpatient and even partial hospitalization rehab services as well as many outpatient services and medications. These services are covered under the same terms as any other hospitalization or medical needs, but Medicare does place limits on stays in dedicated psychiatric facilities and on covering methadone for substance abuse treatment.

Medicaid is a healthcare subsidy for the disabled and those with very low income. In some states its provisions have expanded under the Affordable Care Act, but in general, Medicaid treats basic inpatient and outpatient rehab services as equivalent to its standard hospitalization and medical services, upon the recommendation of a medical provider.

Are There Free Rehabs in Every State?

Government Funded and Non-Profit Rehabs

For those with no insurance and limited means, government funded rehab services can help. Provided through state social service programs and the courts, these programs include both basic inpatient and outpatient rehab services for a variety of addictions, and they are available at no cost to people who qualify. Although waiting lists for inpatient programs can be long, these services offer essential recovery support to people who might otherwise get no help for their addictions.

Non-profit and community programs and services may also help. Funded by private donations, grants and other kinds of funding, these programs often serve specific populations such as pregnant women or people with specific disabilities. Community non-profits usually focus on supporting outpatient rehab programs for a variety of addictions. Applicants need to demonstrate financial need and provide proof of residence and citizenship to qualify.

Rehab is an essential part of the journey toward recovery from substance abuse. The cost of rehab services can be high, but with resources such as insurance and government funded programs, it’s possible to get help for addictions of all kinds –at no cost to you.

Are you struggling with addiction – but don’t know where to turn for help? We have the answers you’re looking for. Call us at 800-430-1407Who Answers? to get the solutions you need today.