What Are the Treatments for Drug Abuse Without Money?

Drug addiction is a powerful issue and encompasses one's life to the degree that most cannot combat it without assistance. There are several treatment options for drug addiction, but not everyone can afford the usually costly assistance. Although "sliding scale" and free treatment is available, it is usually with a program or center that is so inundated with clients and low on therapists, doctors and medications, that if treatment can be obtained it is lacking in quality of individual care. Live-in treatment for severe drug addiction is costly, and some insurances do not cover it entirely. Moreover, affordable treatment for drug addiction, although challenging, is possible.

Drug Detox

• Before any type of successful treatment can begin, the type of drug and the appropriate detox formality must be followed. For example, if the user is addicted to opiates (such as painkillers or heroin), he or she will have to deal with the physical aspects of the addiction first, before any type of therapeutic treatment can be conducted. State hospitals are required to take in the patient no matter what their financial status and offer the appropriate medications to ensure that he/she does not suffer from seizures or other life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. The addict, however, once stabilized, will be released.

Outsourcing

• Once the potential of physical danger is overcome, the addict can outsource to find available free treatment within their area. Most hospitals have this information at their disposal and can provide the addict with the appropriate number to call. Depending on the drug used, there are several "hotlines," such as 1-800-COCAINE that can refer drug addicts to local Narcotics Anonymous group meeting locations and provide them with the tools necessary for free. Drugrehabs.org is one such organization that has counselors standing by ready to provide names and numbers of free local treatment centers.

Local Support Groups

• Depending on the addiction, there is a network of free support groups that addicts can attend, usually one to two times a week. One such program, Narcotics Anonymous, is a great place to start. The sister program of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is designed in very much the same way. It encompasses the 12-step treatment program and is conducted in a group setting. This an excellent place for addicts to meet counselors who volunteer their time and may be excellent resources for finding places that offer treatment at little to no cost.

Sliding-Scale Facilities

• According to treatmentcenters.net, sliding-scale treatment centers determine the addict's financial state and will adjust the cost of treatment accordingly, sometimes as low as a few dollars or free. These centers use different formats for determining eligibility. Narcotics Anonymous is a great place to find out about local sliding-scale or government-funded facilities in his or her area. Once determined, the rate will remain the same and cannot change unless the addict finds employment.

Free Government-Funded and Church Live-in Rehabs

• Live-in rehab is thought to be the most effective treatment available for drug addicts; the problem is the high cost associated with them. There are, however, free live-in rehabs available. Many churches offer free live-in rehab for individuals. Although on a small scale, these programs can greatly benefit an addict who has absolutely no money and may be homeless. In return for treatment, many times the church will have residents working in the community collecting donations or otherwise helping the church. These rehabs, however, are based upon religious beliefs, and consequently they may be better suited for individuals of faith more than others.

  Government-funded free live-in rehabs are also available but tend to be overcrowded and have a large turnaround rate, as addicts will sometimes leave the facility before they're ready, and relapse. Also serving against these centers is that they are many times located in unsavory areas of town, as most residents oppose locating them near residential areas.

Conclusion

• Clearly, receiving drug treatment with insufficient funds is challenging. Finding competent treatment takes work and knowledge. It is important that the addict have a support system, as outsourcing can be frustrating and may cause the addict stress that can lead to relapse. Whatever the cost, no treatment will be effective if the individual does not want to stop using drugs.