How to Find Addiction Treatment That is Affordable?

Addiction can cost you, quite literally. At first, you pay for the substance of choice and get a range of physical and mental health issues in return. Then you pay for treatment and receive a chance for a healthier and better life.

On average, an alcoholic spends $3000 to maintain his habit. A moderate cocaine addiction can cost $150 a day and add up to about $55,000 per year. A serious methamphetamine addiction can cost over $40,000 a year. Someone who abuses prescription drugs has to pay the most – $150-$200 per day on pills, or between $54,750 and $73,000 per year. Often, drug users start buying cheaper drugs that put them at a higher risk of overdose and are more harmful.

AddictionResource experts say that the sums spent annually on drugs are enough to permanently recover through a residential treatment program. The problem is, addicts don’t have the whole sum at a time and cannot pay the bill in one go. While it is a challenging task to find the money for rehabilitation, it is possible with the right resources.

Why is there such a price gap between some SUD treatment programs?

Traditional 30-days inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) can cost from $5,000 to $80,000. Besides, it’s possible to get free addiction help. Why do some centers charge several hundred dollars a day and others maintain modest prices?

Private centers tend to have higher price tags than public ones. The cost of treatment seems reasonable due to the following factors:

• Private rehabs don’t get state and federal funding grants.
• They limit the number of clients in order to provide more individual attention to each person.
• They are staffed with SUD treatment specialists with intensive education and extensive experience that work for a higher salary.
• Their comprehensive treatment programs include traditional, alternative, and holistic treatment options.
• In a private rehab, cutting-edge treatment methods and medical care are available.
• Their exclusive features include gourmet cuisine, amenities that look like an elite resort, spa services, different classes, etc. When it comes to luxury rehabs, they are often situated out of the city, in a picturesque place that provides a peaceful, rejuvenating escape from busy, highly populated areas.

Rehab on a budget: How to keep addiction treatment affordable?

If you don’t want to pay an additional price for aesthetic surroundings and holistic methods, and you will be OK without the swimming pool, spa, messages, and large recreational rooms, you can choose a local rehab with conventional treatment modalities and “normal” (those that don’t look like a 5-star hotel but are comfortable enough for a treatment center) facilities. Maybe you’ll even find a free drug rehabilitation center in your place. They fall into several categories.

Government-funded drug rehabs

These addiction treatment facilities use federal or state money to cover their operating costs. Their services are limited and thus significantly more affordable than those of private rehabs, they can even offer free drug addiction help.

Nonprofit rehabs

These centers are financed through grants, scholarships, and money raised to support their work. Like government-funded rehabs, they have long waiting lists. The range of therapies they can offer is not as wide as in expensive facilities, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be effective and life-changing.

Rehabs through religious organizations

Faith-based treatment centers see spirituality as a valuable tool in recovery. They assist in healing and developing resilience in people who want to overcome substance abuse. They target underserved communities in particular.

Charity rehab programs

Charitable services (The Salvation Army), sponsored by private and corporate donations, are offered for those who cannot pay for treatment but are ready to get help. They will be useful if you are looking for “free drug counseling near me”.

Support groups

It is important to receive post-rehab support to maintain a long-term sobriety. You can find different support groups tailored to specific demographics and substances: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Women in Recovery, and more.

Where to get funds for SUD treatment?

If you are not eligible for a free drug addiction treatment or want to enter a particular rehab and lack funds, you can take advantage of several financing options:

Insurance

Most drug rehabs accept insurance. But you should know about some limitations that can make it quite hard to get help.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Many companies offer EAP to help employees manage their personal and work-related issues that also include substance abuse. EAP is usually free of cost to the employees and covers their spouses and children as well. So, look through your company’s benefits manual and speak to a human resources manager.

Government grants or scholarships

For those without health insurance, a grant from the state or federal government can be a way out. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) gives grants for alcohol or drug addiction treatment. To see eligibility information and apply for a grant, visit their website.

Besides, you can make a list of rehabilitation centers in your area, and then contact them to ask whether they offer any scholarship opportunities.

Sliding-scale fees

Many addiction treatment programs set sliding-scale fees to make their services accessible to clients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them. Payment plans are based on income and on what an individual can realistically be expected to pay.

Asking family and friends for financial support

Borrowing money from your family member may sound daunting. But pulling together to help a loved one who needs treatment is common. Your close people love you and you may be surprised by their readiness to help you.

Raising money

Crowdsourcing is used for anything, including medical purposes. You never know how many people might resonate with your story and want to help. Platforms like Crowdfunding, GoFundMe, and PlumFund help to reach a wide audience, find funds, and build an emotional support network.

No matter what type of rehab you choose, the major thing is that you commit to stick with your treatment program and recover. And treatment results are only as good as the work you put into it.