Free Detox Centers

Detox centers are also known as rehabilitation centers, or rehabs. They are typically very expensive and can exceed $100,000 depending on the length of the inpatient stay. Most people who attend rehab have insurance that helps to cover the expenses.

Some state-supported detox centers along with substance-abuse agencies offer free services for people without insurance who are seeking substance-abuse treatment.

Churches often offer free support groups for substance abuse as well.

State-Supported Programs

• State-supported programs can be either inpatient or outpatient and are completely supported by taxes. State-supported detox programs charge no fees to the patient.

  The main disadvantage of state-supported, free detox programs is that there is often a long waiting list. The state-run programs are usually full of people who have already been in a state-supported system, such as through a family or children's services department.

Strain of a Recession

• In times of economic recession, state-supported detox programs feel the strain because, like other state-run agencies, they are supported by tax dollars. During a recession, state-supported detox programs are likely to face cutbacks in funding and restraints on the services offered.

  Unfortunately, and ironically, it is during an economic recession that free detox programs are needed the most.

Faith-Based Programs

• Many churches offer outreach programs for alcohol and drug abusers. The majority of the secular detox outreach programs have no dues or fees, while some take donations.

  The Salvation Army also has a substance abuse program in most of the 50 states.

Support Groups

• Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are completely free. These groups are centered around meetings, and focus on recovery through spirituality and fellowship; they are not inpatient rehab centers.

Alcoholics Anonymous

• Alcoholics Anonymous, in existence since the 1930s, has literally helped millions of people become sober and stay sober. AA is a self-supporting organization that is run through its members' participation and donations.

  AA follows what is popularly referred to as a "12-Step Program."

Narcotics Anonymous

• Narcotics Anonymous was started in response to the great success of Alcoholics Anonymous. Using the same 12-step model, NA first emerged in the 1940s in Los Angeles.