- There are publicly funded state and federal drug rehab programs that are designed to specifically support low-income families through drug addiction treatment.
- If insurance is available, including Medicaid and Medicare, the entire cost of certain treatment services may be covered.
- Some non-profits specialize in supporting different aspects of life in recovery from addiction.
- Some organizations offer specialized funding that connects low-income families with treatment while also serving the public and increasing the depth and understanding of effective addiction treatment.
What Are Drug Rehabs For Low-Income Families Like?
Drug rehab programs for low-income families should provide the drug addiction treatment services necessary to stop taking all substances of abuse safely and begin the therapeutic journey that builds long-term sobriety.These treatment programs will be certified and up to code according to state regulations in all areas. They should provide medical and mental health treatment services by substance abuse treatment professionals that have been trained in addiction treatment.
They may not sit by the ocean, offer access to the most cutting-edge, experiential therapies, or provide haute cuisine at each meal, but they will be the door through which many find a new life in recovery when they otherwise would not.
What Is The Difference Between Public And Private Rehab Programs?
Public programs are more likely to provide drug addiction treatment services for low-income families because they are almost fully funded by state and federal resources. Administrators of these programs are tasked with providing everything clients need by piecing together grants that have a specific purpose.
This means that one public facility may offer group acupuncture treatments because it has a grant for a study on the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of people with addiction.
Another may provide extensive services for clients living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) because they have grants dedicated to supporting this population. It’s important to take every public program on its own merit rather than assume that all are alike.
Private drug addiction treatment centers are equally diverse.
The offerings they provide in terms of medical care and mental health treatment, the education level of their staff members, their experience as an organization, their philosophies, and goals for clients, and their price ranges all vary widely. Not all will be out of reach for low-income families. Some have grants for certain populations as well, and most will work with insurance to help lower the out-of-pocket costs to individuals and families.
How Does Insurance Play A Role?
Insurance can do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to getting addiction treatment services covered.
Just Like Drug Rehab Programs, Options, And Prices Will Vary, Insurance Policies And Providers Will Be Very Different From Each Other When It Comes To:
- What addiction treatment services they cover
- How much of the cost of those services will be covered
- The cost of copays for medications and visits to see medical professionals
- Caps on coverage amounts or length of treatment
- What will be necessary to prove there is a legitimate medical need for treatment services
Medicaid and Medicare do provide full coverage for many treatment options, so low-income families on these programs are encouraged to contact drug rehab centers that are familiar with these options.
What Resources Are There To Help Cover Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Drug Rehab?
Once insurance policies have been tapped and it is clear what services will be covered, families should have a general idea of what out-of-pocket costs to expect. At this point, it is time to pull together resources to cover these costs. Depending on the details, this can look very different from family to family.
Some Options May Include:
- Reaching out to a church or synagogue to ask for help
- Connecting with a social worker to find out if there is any current source of state or local aid available
- Asking non-profit organizations that specialize in referrals for low-income families if there are any other avenues to pursue in the grassroots community
- Contacting local first responder headquarters, such as police and fire departments. They may have knowledge of support opportunities
- Talking to close family members about the possibility of a small loan to be paid back over time
Are There Government-Funded Options?
Yes and no. It is rare to find any state or federal funding that is available directly to families in crisis due to addiction. In some cases, there may be directed support through a parole or probation officer if the person living in addiction has recently been released from jail, especially if their charges were related to drugs.
Additionally, many areas across the country offer access to drug addiction treatment through court systems designed to help those who are facing legal difficulties due to untreated addiction.
For those who are not yet entangled in the judicial system, the best place to look for state and federally funded treatment options is through assistance programs for low-income families, local free medical clinics, and non-profit outreach organizations.
What About Non-Profits?
Non-profit programs offer a personalized component that many state and local government-run organizations do not have the staff to provide. They are excellent resources for specific information that you may not otherwise find.
Start with the non-profits that offer harm reduction support or addiction outreach for people in crisis. Ask them questions about different programs and how to access them.
If you can’t locate one near you, attend 12-step meetings and ask around. Once you connect with one non-profit, you will often get referred to others that are running programs that specifically meet your needs. Don’t stop asking for help.
Is Addiction Treatment Worth The Expense?
Addiction treatment, like other forms of healthcare, can come at a cost. Even if you are able to secure funding from your insurance company or from government-funded programs, it will still cost you time and effort while you may have other responsibilities to conduct. So is it even worth going through all of that time, effort, and cost?
There are several reasons why addiction treatment is worth the expense, even if the price is high. Here are some things to consider when it comes to treating addiction and whether or not it’s worth spending the time and money.
Addiction Is A Threat To Your Health
Active addiction can come with serious consequences related to your overall health. Of course, the most concerning threat is an overdose, which can lead to life-threatening symptoms.
Overdose is more likely during active addiction, especially when illicit drugs and polydrug use is involved. Illicit drugs can be unpredictable when it comes to their overall strength. You may get used to an adulterated form of the drug before getting your hands on a purer supply. Then, if you take your normal dose, not knowing the drug is stronger, you may overdose.
Illicit drugs may also be contaminated with other dangerous substances, including more powerful drugs like fentanyl. Fentanyl is being found in more and more illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine. It’s a potent opioid that’s often included in drug supplies to give the impression that it’s higher quality or purer. However, as little as two to three milligrams can kill an average person. If illicit drug suppliers add even a tiny bit too much, it can have fatal consequences.
Heavy use of drugs and alcohol can also lead to long-term health risks. For instance, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to cancer, brain damage, and liver disease. Active addiction can also lead to indirect health risks. For instance, intravenous injections of illicit heroin are associated with an increased risk of contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
Active Addiction Can Lead To Long-lasting Consequences
Besides health concerns, addiction can lead to other lasting consequences that can be damaging to your life as a whole. Active addiction often leads to relationship strains and isolation. It can also trigger or worsen psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, trauma, and even schizophrenia.
Addiction is also associated with an increased risk of being involved with crime. Addiction can cause powerful compulsions to use that may cause you to take risky actions and makes you more likely to put yourself in harm’s way. This could lead to legal issues if you engaged in crime to help maintain your addiction. It can also lead to you becoming a victim of a violent crime.
Addiction Is A Threat To Your Finances And Career
Addiction threatens your financial stability in more than one way. Drugs and alcohol can be expensive. As your tolerance grows, you may need to take more and more of your drug of choice. Funding your addiction can start to eat away at your wallet and savings. As addiction starts to take over more and more of your life, it can cause your performance at work to suffer, which can lead to demotions or job loss. Finally, ongoing legal or medical issues can be costly, eating away at more of your savings.
Get Addiction Help For Your Family
If your family is in crisis due to addiction, and you are working to find the best possible solution, do not let a lack of funds stop you from getting help. Luxury, high-end treatment programs are not necessary to begin the path to recovery, and do-it-yourself options like 12-step meetings and other free options are often not enough.
Connect with a program that offers the treatment you need to detox safely and remain drug-free with support as you learn how to create a new life for yourself in recovery. It takes time and persistence, but recovery from addiction is accessible to everyone.
