Finding Treatment for Substance Abuse

The perceived cost of addiction treatment programs keeps many people from attempting to seek help or treatment for their substance abuse. Treatment programs, especially inpatient programs, are unaffordable for many people to pay out of pocket. As a result, although they who may wish to get help for their addiction, they don’t get treatment. However, these financially struggling individuals have a variety of options that can help, including outside funding and grants.

Outside Funding

For those with no insurance or low/no income, most states provide funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services at treatment. The patient must prove they’re a resident of the state, are lacking in insurance and income, are in need of treatment, and other criteria. Contact your local or state substance abuse agency for more information or use an online directory.

Many religious groups provide drug and alcohol recovery programs across the U.S., such as the Christian Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Light detox and residential centers. Other religious organizations offer support groups for people in rehab, such as Alcoholics Victorious and Christians in Recovery. Although these groups don’t provide medical detox, they require the patient to undergo detox before beginning the programs. The groups generally provide 12-step support or other counseling, religious motivation, and peer support. Most groups are free, but this isn’t a guarantee. To locate a center or group, speak with a leader of your faith (rabbi, minister, priest, etc.).

Some organizations offer scholarships or grants for treatment for people with low incomes. These opportunities are usually offered through private treatment facilities or through organizations that focus on helping addicts. Make a list of treatment facilities you are interested in, and contact them individually to determine whether or not they provide scholarships or grants. Even if insurance covers a percentage of your treatment, the facility may agree to cover the remaining balance.

Insurance

Many treatment centers accept insurance. Although you should be aware of limitations and specifications – such as types of treatments and length of treatment – many insurance plans typically cover rehab and other addiction treatments. Also, insurance policies don’t typically classify addictions into “covered” and “noncovered” categories. If they cover one addiction, they cover all other addictions.

The Affordable Care Act requires that Medicaid programs and insurance policies issued through the marketplace must provide coverage for addiction treatment; however, you may still have a copay and/or deductible. Most private health insurance plans follow these same rules. Contact your insurance provider for specifics on your plan’s coverage.

Furthermore, most insurance companies cover maintenance medications, which are designed for people who have been through rehab or treatment, but can’t get to a normal level of functioning in the absence of drugs. For these people, chemical alterations in their bodies caused by drugs are severe, and they need medications in order to correct the imbalances to live a drug-free life. Usually, Medicare and Medicaid plans only cover these medications if it’s deemed vital for the ongoing health of the person in recovery. Again, speak with your provider for more information on your specific plan.

Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D programs may provide coverage for drug and alcohol rehab treatments, including medical detox, counseling, and post-rehab support. They also typically cover inpatient and outpatient programs and partial hospitalization at hospitals and other approved treatment facilities. Regardless of whether Medicare coverage is due to age or disability status, these options are available.

Seek it Out

Don’t let lack of funds hinder you from living a happy and healthy life. If you want to find treatment for you substance abuse, seek out financial assistance opportunities. Ask a friend or family to help you with your research for funding. If you’re serious about treatment and put in a little effort, options are available to you.