Help! I Can’t Afford Rehab

It can be difficult enough for an alcoholic or addict to admit they need help. But once you’ve determined that rehab is the best option, many people may be intimidated by the inpatient drug rehab cost. Even though self-help options can be effective, inpatient drug rehab still provides the best opportunities to beat addiction. Before you resort to the do-it-yourself methods of getting clean, check out these additional options to get the treatment you need.

The Insurance Factor

Prior to the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) going into effect, previous treatment in drug rehab could be considered a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies could refuse to cover treatment under these grounds. The fate of the Affordable Care Act is still unknown under the next administration, but insurance companies can’t deny treatment at this current time.

Whether or not a patient with insurance can afford to go to rehab is a different story, however. Patients with a high-deductible health plan may find themselves on the hook for the cost of rehab up to their deductible. Many people are unable to afford as much as $10,000 out of pocket and may determine that rehab is still out of their financial reach. Although this can be a discouraging situation, don’t give up—other options are available.

Payment Plans

There are payment options available for those who can’t afford rehab.

Many inpatient drug rehab centers understand that treatment can be expensive. When you call to get treatment, ask about any payment plans the center may have. Some centers may allow you to put down a down payment at the beginning of treatment with regularly scheduled payments in the months after leaving rehab. Many facilities have financial aid counselors on staff who can help you find the most attainable payment situation.

Free Drug Rehab Programs

According to SAMHSA, four percent of all rehab programs are completely free to the patients. But over half of programs offer at least some financial assistance. Need-based assistance may be available to lower-income individuals. Because drug addiction takes a toll on the ability to work for many people, it’s common for people in this situation to have lower incomes.

State aid programs, financial assistance through the rehab facility and scholarships may make treatment accessible to those who lack the means to pay for it.

Duration of Programs

A course of treatment from inpatient drug rehab centers that includes a medically supervised detox, therapy during early recovery and aftercare is considered the best option for most patients. However, this gold standard of care is also a more expensive program.

Some patients may be able to manage with a lesser program, particularly if they have created a patchwork of treatment from multiple sources. Those who do not require a medically supervised detox will save money by avoiding this phase of treatment. It may be possible to do an outpatient program for some or all of the treatment process. Local community resources may be able to provide counseling in place of aftercare at the inpatient drug rehab centers.

Is a Free Inpatient Drug Rehab Center Really As Good As A Private Treatment Center?

Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous

Whether you complete a course of treatment at one of the inpatient drug rehab centers or not, it’s a great idea to attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous in your community. These 12-step programs have been proven effective in helping people stay sober.

It’s essential to have that regular contact with other recovering addicts who know exactly what you’re going through. These programs also provide sponsors, people who are further along in their recovery process and can help you to stay sober.

Even if you are unable to afford rehab at this time, it’s still important to take advantage of resources like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Once you’ve decided to get sober, there’s no reason that you should continue using alcohol or drugs anymore.

Our helpful counselors will help you discover the options you have available to you. When you’re ready to get clean and sober, call our helpline at 800-430-1407Who Answers?.