Free Drug Intervention Programs

Often people addicted to illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or pharmaceutical painkillers don't have the money or insurance it takes to receive needed treatment for overcoming their addictions. Though there are private, nonprofit organizations that will offer free or reduced-cost drug intervention programs, most of the free drug intervention programs are found at either government-run or faith-based recovery facilities. Treatment at free facilities is usually paid for through grants, charitable donations or the state or federal government.

Palmer Drug Abuse Program

• The Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) in San Antonio, Texas, offers its free faith-based drug intervention program to teenagers and their families. It uses the 12-step method of overcoming addiction and involves the family in the recovery process. PDAP's philosophy is that the possibility for success is increased when the whole family is involved in the recovery process.

  PDAP offers group meetings as well as individual and family counseling to strengthen relationships and build life skills. In its group therapy, families learn from other families what has worked for them and what has not worked. The program is offered by the Christ Episcopal Church and is paid for by churches, businesses, foundations, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, and residents of San Antonio.

  Although under the auspices of the church, program founder Bishop John McNaughton states that the program is based on spiritual principles rather than a specific religion. It was based on PDAPs in Houston and Dallas.

  Ironside Center

  10226 Ironside

  San Antonio, Texas 78230

  210-697-9766

  Woodhull Center

  122 Woodhull

  San Antonio, Texas 78214

  210-927-4644

  pdap.com

Saint Joseph's Hospital

• In several states, such as Minnesota, drug addicts seeking intervention and treatment may have their recovery paid for through the Department of Health and Human Services at one of the recovery facilities approved by the state. Saint Joseph's Hospital in Saint Paul is one of those facilities.

  Saint Joseph's Hospital has an inpatient and outpatient program for substance abuse treatment. It provides a detoxification program for addicts needing immediate intervention, as well as care for those whose addiction requires them to be hospitalized for a longer period. These are treated by a team of psychiatrists and physicians who tailor the program to the individual needs since addiction is sometimes a symptom of an underlying problem.

  Outpatient care is also individualized and takes place at the hospital's HealthEast Mental Health and Addiction Care facility. Outpatient care also provides services to treat the underlying causes of the addiction. HealthEast is a faith-based organization that offers support, from a chaplain, to the addict and his family.

  3 CD Service Coordination

  Saint Joseph's Hospital

  45 West 10th Street

  Saint Paul, MN 55102

  651-326-3792

  healtheast.org

Brighton Hospital

• For addicted teens 13 to 17 years old, Brighton Hospital's Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (AIOP) may be a free option for drug intervention and treatment. The Michigan hospital actively raises funds to support its "scholarship" program, which allows teens to be treated through its Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program.

  Through this program the teen receives specialized services for addiction to illicit and pharmaceutical drugs and substances and alcohol with the care appropriate to the seriousness of the addiction. The scholarship also includes three months of aftercare.

  Before being admitted into the AIOP, a physician and therapist will assess the teen and develop a specialized program for treatment. The treatment will use one of multiple types of therapy used by the hospital. It will be one that treats both the teen and the family with individualized counseling, family and group therapy, including chemical dependency education.

  Brighton Hospital

  12851 Grand River Road

  Brighton, Michigan 48116

  877-976-2371

  brightonhospital.org