Most will agree that America has a serious problem on its hands when it comes to substance abuse. And this is not a matter of conjecture but rather a fact that has been substantiated by multiple studies. One study, in particular, which was published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found that some 23 million people in America have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two.
What’s more, only 10 percent of those with a substance abuse problem ever bother seeking help in breaking the cycle of addiction. To say that this is a sad state of affairs would, indeed, be a gross understatement. After all, addiction is an overarching problem in that it affects the life of the individual user, their friends, family, and even the communities in which they reside.
Why Some People Never Seek Help Overcoming an Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
Having established that about 90 percent of individuals with a substance abuse problem do not seek help from a licensed rehab facility to break the cycle of addiction, let’s take a moment to explore why that is the case. According to a study published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a large number of people who abuse drugs or alcohol have no interest in quitting. More often than not, they feel this way because they enjoy the euphoric high associated with these substances or have concerns about the severe withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting.
However, it does not end there; for those who are ready to put substance abuse behind them, the cost of treatment is often more than they can afford. It is worth noting that this is often the case whether these individuals have private health insurance to absorb some of that cost or not. For reference, studies show that the average cost of addiction recovery services in a 30-day inpatient rehab program is between $14,000 and $27,000.
What You May Not Have Known About Free and Low-Cost Rehab Facilities in America
If the cost of treatment is standing in the way when it comes to getting the help you need to overcome addiction, you will be happy to know that there are many free and low-cost rehab facilities interspersed all across America. And you needn’t be put off by the fact that these facilities are free or low-cost as most of them offer a high level of care that makes moving past addiction possible. That said, the ability to receive treatment at these facilities is contingent upon whether or not an individual meets specific eligibility requirements.
Qualifying for Addiction Recovery Services at Free or Low-Cost Rehab Facilities
One of the best ways to go about finding state-funded rehabs, which are free, and low-cost rehab facilities that charge a fee based on a sliding scale, is by visiting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s website. That being said, the criteria that an individual will have to meet to receive treatment at either of these two types of rehab facilities are different. To illustrate this point, it helps to take a look at them individually:
State-funded rehabs – In short, these facilities welcome individuals who are struggling with either a drug or alcohol problem and don’t have private health insurance or the financial means to pay for treatments. To qualify for addiction recovery treatments at these facilities, individuals must provide proof of the following:
- A driver’s license, passport, or other legal documents proving they are a citizen of the United States
- Documents that prove they are a resident of the state in which they will be receiving treatment
- An inability to pay for treatments due to lack of insurance or unemployment
- A confirmed addiction that requires professional intervention
Sliding scale rehab facilities – While they are not entirely free, there are plenty of rehab facilities across America that offer programs with sliding scale fees. They also tend to be a lot less crowded compared to their state-funded counterpart, and the requirements are not quite as stringent when it comes to being admitted. As far as eligibility requirements are concerned, individuals will have to provide proof of income as this information will be used to calculate the cost of their treatments.
Bottom Line
In summation, if you’re committed to breaking the cycle of addiction, it is possible. And there is no shortage of free and low-income rehab facilities that can help. To learn more about these treatment facilities or for help finding one in your area, you’re encouraged to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable addiction experts today at 844-639-8371.