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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Government and State Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

Government-funded substance misuse programs may be a good option for individuals who are dealing with addiction and have little or no health insurance, a low income, or limited resources to pay for services. Programming may include detox, housing, therapy, and support services. These programs give people in need an affordable option to begin the road to recovery.

In this article you will learn about what state- and government-funded rehab is, how one qualifies for state-funded rehab, how to cover the partial cost of rehab, and how to find a state- or government-funded addiction rehab program.

What Are State-Funded Addiction Rehab Centers?

State-funded or government-funded rehabs receive money from the state to provide addiction treatment services to people who need them. The money that the state uses to fund these programs comes from various sources, including federal grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and the state budget.1  Government- and state-funded treatment centers are in high demand because of how costly rehab programs can be.

With insurance possibly only covering some of the costs of rehab, and some people not having insurance, the wait lists for government rehab programs can be very long. However, they provide much needed care to those who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and need help.

Who Qualifies for State-Funded Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

Each state has different requirements for drug and alcohol rehab funded by the government. This means that who qualifies for state-funded will vary greatly depending upon one’s location.

To qualify for a state-funded addiction treatment program, there may be requirements that must be met. Those who are looking to enroll in a free rehab program may be asked to provide the following:

  • Proof of residence.
  • Proof of income.
  • Proof of legal residence in the United States.
  • Personal information on addiction history.

Comparing Private vs. Public Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers

Although state-funded drug and alcohol rehabs can’t always provide the amenities that may be available at private addiction treatment facilities, due to limited funding, that does not mean that the rehab programs are ineffective or that the treatment doesn’t work. These drug and alcohol rehab facilities focus on the medical and emotional assistance needed to achieve sobriety—the goals that are in the best interest of the patient.

Ultimately, any level of addiction treatment is better at providing positive outcomes in decreasing drug and alcohol misuse, improving health and relationships, and increasing public health and safety versus no treatment. In addition, any treatment can lead to greater success in recovery than the alternatives, including incarceration.

Depending on the program, in-house counseling or other services may not be available, or certain facilities may only provide detox, but patients will be referred to counseling services and support groups so that they may continue to work on their sobriety. Programs may offer detox, behavioral therapies, post-treatment counseling, and additional support systems that make it more possible to attain long-term recovery.

There is limited funding for treatment provided by the state, and there are often large numbers of patients seeking drug and alcohol rehab treatment, so the waiting list for facilities can be very long.

Types of Government-Funded Addiction Programs

There are multiple levels of rehab care that one may qualify for based on factors such as type of substance being misused, housing status and living environment, medical history and needs, and concurrent mental health issues. Treatment levels and plans will be determined based on findings made during the initial intake and assessment process. Levels and types of care may include:2

  • State-Funded Drug & Alcohol Detox. This is often the first step an individual will take in an addiction treatment program. Detoxification cleanses the body of the substances being used and paves the way for stabilization and more comprehensive treatment, such as inpatient/outpatient care and behavioral therapy. Many substances (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, opioids), necessitate medical detoxification since their withdrawal symptoms are so unpleasant, and potentially dangerous. Medications can be administered during professional detox to ease these symptoms and provide a safer, more comfortable withdrawal process.
  • State-Funded Inpatient Rehab. Inpatient/residential care may best serve individuals with a history of prior relapse, those who require medications and medical supervision, and those with significant other medical/mental health issues. Since inpatient treatment offers 24/7 care and support, those who lack a supportive home environment may also benefit from inpatient care. Inpatient care can be short-term or long-term, usually lasting anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the patient’s needs and situation.
  • State-Funded Outpatient Rehab. Based on their treatment plan and needs, patients may enter outpatient care immediately after detox or may step down to outpatient care upon completing a more intensive level of care, such an inpatient. Outpatient treatment is typically a more flexible option, allowing patients to go home each night. Patients in outpatient treatment can usually maintain their work/school/home/family responsibilities.
  • State-Funded Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers. A dual diagnosis treatment center will treat co-occurring disorders. This includes substance use disorders that are concurrent with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Patients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders are best served when both conditions are treated at the same time, since they can significantly affect one another.

Insurance and Cost of Government-Assisted Drug Rehab Programs

Currently, the government offers disabled, older, or low-income individuals benefits, which may include some coverage for rehab services. These insurance policies include:

Medicare. This insurance policy, available to individuals 65 or older, is widely accepted at government rehab facilities. Certain private rehab centers may also accept Medicare.

Medicaid. Low-income or disabled individuals may qualify for Medicaid. This insurance is accepted at some rehab facilities. As Medicaid benefits vary by state, check your individual policy to find out which facilities accept this insurance.

For those with insurance, it is likely that at least some of the cost of your drug and alcohol addiction treatment will be covered. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), private insurance companies are required to pay for at least some of the cost of rehab treatment. For the costs that aren’t covered, there are other options including personal funds, loans, and scholarships and grants.

The cost of state-funded rehab will be less than that of private facilities, as private facilities often offer additional amenities that increase the price of treatment. But state-funded inpatient rehab and state-funded outpatient rehab will still provide a high level of care that will help patients work toward their sobriety.

How to Find a Government-Funded Addiction Rehab Center

Once an individual is ready for treatment, there are a number of resources to help find state-funded rehab programs near you. It is, however, worth considering traveling away from home as the best rehab center that meets your individual needs may not necessarily be a facility located nearby.

Government alcohol and drug rehab centers offer those in need a chance at a comprehensive program to achieve sobriety. While these programs may lack extra perks and luxuries, they provide patients with complex addiction issues with the medical tools and emotional strategies needed to overcome their addictions. For those without insurance or the means to pay for private care, government-funded rehab is an excellent option.

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