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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Free Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

Addiction treatment provides professional rehabilitation services to those who struggle with chemical dependency and other substance misuse issues. Addiction treatment can be costly, especially for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. However, there are a number of resources to assist those who are in search of a free rehab center to help them gain access to the treatment they need.

Are there Free Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers?

Yes, there are free drug and alcohol rehab centers, but these free addiction treatment programs are for people who don’t have the means to pay for treatment. Free inpatient and outpatient rehab centers may receive funding from various organizations, including private endowments, charitable donations, and government grants. There are also some addiction treatment facilities that are made more affordable through scholarships to individuals who cannot afford to pay for rehab—giving them the opportunity to obtain treatment at privately owned rehab faculties.

There are a variety of financial assistance programs for rehab to help cover the cost of medical detox, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient rehab for substance misuse, including:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services performed a national survey in 2018 to which 14,809 facilities across the country responded. Of those that responded, 45% reported that they provided free or minimal payment treatment for people who could not afford rehab.1

Additionally, 58% of facilities reported that they offer a sliding fee scale, which means that individuals are able to pay however much they could afford.1 While not all addiction rehab facilities are able to offer services for free, low-cost and free options do exist.

How to Qualify for Low-Cost and Free Addiction Treatment Programs

While cost remains a large roadblock for many people seeking addiction treatment, many organizations, local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit institutions recognize this problem and are expanding their efforts to make drug and alcohol services free or at an affordable cost.

If you are unsure about whether you qualify for low-cost drug and alcohol addiction treatment or the steps you need to take to pursue treatment, call American Addiction Centers (AAC) and speak with an admissions navigators today at . They will be able to provide you with confidential, in-depth information that can help you start on your path toward recovery. You can also check your financing options with the form below.

Who Qualifies for No-Cost Addiction Treatment Programs?

If you are searching for a free drug or alcohol addiction treatment program, you may be wondering who qualifies for free rehab treatment. Nonprofit-run drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers often offer financial assistance to those who need treatment and don’t have the ability to pay.

Some nonprofit organizations offer treatment at their own rehab facilities or provide it at private facilities with scholarships. There are also religious organizations that may provide payment assistance or offer free faith-based rehab as part of their ministry services.

Government-funded rehab programs tend to have strict eligibility requirements to qualify. Typically, applicants will need to show proof of citizenship, state residency, income, and lack of insurance.

For current and former members of the military, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Programs, but they are only available to eligible veterans who are currently under the care of the VA system.2

What Types of Free Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Are There?

There are various free and no-cost rehab programs available, including the following.

  • Nonprofit rehabilitation facilities: There are many nonprofit organizations that either provide funding to faculties that provide free rehab or operate their own treatment centers. Certain nonprofits focus on providing addiction treatment to specific disadvantaged populations.
  • Government-funded rehab programs: Government-funded rehab programs are available through both the state and federal governments. These programs include treatment at state-funded and federal government-funded facilities, including centers run by the VA. SAMHSA also offers grants for both public and private nonprofit rehab facilities.
  • Faith-based alcohol and drug rehab programs: Various faith-based organizations provide free alcohol and drug rehab that is focused on faith. Many programs do not require participants to subscribe to specific religious beliefs. Programs typically have participants looking to a higher power for guidance. Well-known addiction support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The Salvation Army also runs a faith-based addiction treatment program.

Ways to Pay for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

While there are free rehab options available for some people, not everyone may qualify. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on pursuing your sobriety. There are other ways you can get treatment—even if you can’t afford it. These include health insurance, payment plans, scholarships and grants, research studies or clinical trials, and online rehab services.

  • Insurance: The Affordable Care Act requires that all health insurance providers cover substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health services because they are one of 10 essential health benefits.3 So, at least some treatment should be covered by health insurance.
  • Payment plans: Some rehab programs will work with patients to come up with a payment plan they can afford. This may include payment assistance, sliding scales, or private financing.
  • Scholarships and grants: Certain programs, facilities, and nonprofits may offer scholarships or grants to those who qualify.
  • Research studies or clinical trials: Researchers may be running clinical trials or studies to improve addiction treatment and they could need patients to participate. This allows for growth in the addiction treatment world as well as providing patients with opportunities for treatment at no cost.
  • Online rehab/telehealth: Fees for online treatment are often lower than those of in-person treatment but they will vary based on the specific program. Telehealth and online programs provide private addiction treatment online and may include services such as individual and group sessions, peer support, and tools for recovery.

Find out more: How to Pay for Rehab Without Insurance?

How to Find Free Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

To find a free drug and alcohol rehab program near you, there are various resources available, including:

  • American Addiction Centers (AAC): If you have health insurance, AAC will be able to check your coverage levels. You may be able to discuss various rehab treatment options if you’re struggling to pay.
  • Local churches and faith-based organizations. You can reach out to see if they offer any free rehab programs.
  • Various government and state-funded rehab centers may provide treatment free of cost.

If you’re not sure whether you should go to a free rehab center near you or travel out of state, you can contact AAC at for help.

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