Over 11.2% of the people who need treatment for substance abuse received help in a treatment center during 2018. That is 2.6 million of the 23.5 million people addicted to illicit drugs or alcohol. While state-sponsored free rehab centers treat people across America, more people are in need than can be treated in these facilities. Sheer numbers of people in need plus other restrictions make it difficult to receive treatment.
Proving Need for Free Services May Take Time
State-funded free rehab centers are required to collect detailed information on each person seeking treatment. They will need proof of income, insurance if available, and home information. They will need a list of all bills and people in the household. Once this information is collected, they will review the documents. After the documents are reviewed, they will tell the applicant if they qualify for services and how soon treatment can begin.
More Time Spent Waiting for Treatment
In most states, there is a long wait-list for treatment. It can take months before an applicant receives help. In states like New Jersey, more people overdose from heroin than state-sponsored facilities have room to treat. Time is not a friend of someone trying to recover from substance abuse. Long wait periods can destroy a person’s resolve to get sober.
Limited Treatment Options in Free Rehab
Because funding for free rehab is restricted, the quality and variety of recovery programs are limited. State-funded facilities rely on older treatment practices because updates need more money than funding allows. These treatments can be effective, but not as effective as evidence-based treatments used in private treatment centers.
The State-Sponsored Free Rehab Revolving Door
State-sponsored free rehabs have a steady flow of people through their doors. Due to limited funding and space, treatment is often restricted to 28-day programs. Short-term programs may get one sober, but will not discuss the underlying cause of substance abuse. So, many newly sober people return to substance abuse to mask the underlying pain. Of those discharged from a treatment program, over 59% suffered from a co-occurring disorder such as mental illness. During 2018, New Jersey state-sponsored programs saw over 19,112 people return a second time for chemical dependency treatment.
While some people may return for more treatment, others feel alienated by lack of treatment the first time. These people are less likely to seek further help and may become victims of overdose.
Alternatives to Free Rehab
While lack of money leads many people to free rehab, there are other alternatives. Private rehabs may offer reduced fees, payment plans, and loans. The only way to know if a private rehab center is possible is to call a helpline at 888-811-2879. They will ask a few questions to understand your situation and then recommend the best treatment at an affordable price.
Questions to Ask Private Rehab Centers
When calling the helpline, ask the following questions to decide if reduced or free services are possible through a private rehab center.
- Do you offer help to people without insurance?
- Do you have programs for people with low income?
- Do you have a sliding-fee scale?
Drug Rehab in South Florida
Don’t wait months for treatment through free rehab. Contact Aion Recovery in Southern Florida today for a free consultation and recommendation for treatment. If we cannot serve your needs, we will help you find the right center for you. Call 888-811-2879.
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