You will need to start by deciding which type of treatment you require. For example, are you looking for comprehensive inpatient private drug and alcohol rehab services to ensure that you can access the right level of care? Or, do you require a less intensive approach, such as with outpatient rehab services?
One alternative avenue to consider for free addiction recovery options is NHS rehab services, available to people based in the UK. Please note that treatment is usually provided on an outpatient basis.
The government has also provided additional funding to local authorities across the UK, with the sole purpose of improving the help and support that is currently available for those suffering from addiction. We recommend checking with your local council for more information on what may be available to you.
What are the Pros and Cons of Outpatient Addiction Treatment, and How Can Inpatient Rehab be Made More Affordable?
Outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation treatment both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, which option is most suitable will depend on the individual.
Outpatient treatment is more affordable, but it is much less comprehensive, meaning that it won’t suit everyone, and it will depend on your personal treatment needs. Outpatient treatments do, however, provide various services such as counselling sessions, detox, therapies, and support. So, rest assured; you can access treatment for your addiction without having to stay in a rehab facility.
Although this route does provide people with support, not everyone can recover with outpatient treatments. This is particularly true for those with severe drug or alcohol addictions or for people who have other health problems, such as mental illnesses.
Inpatient care is significantly more comprehensive and can provide round-the-clock medical support and monitoring, which can be especially beneficial for those with severe addictions or co-existing conditions which require a dual diagnosis. Patients also receive a structured, personalised schedule filled with therapy, counselling, and other activities designed to treat their addiction.
Inpatient treatments also offer a controlled environment free from the triggers that might provoke a relapse. This feature makes it ideal for those in the early stages of recovery. The constant companionship and support from other recovering individuals and healthcare providers can also contribute to faster recovery and instil a sense of camaraderie.
However, one of the most significant challenges with inpatient care is its cost. Inpatient treatment programmes are often pricier due to the residential aspect, the range of services provided, and the level of care offered. This high cost might deter many individuals from opting for inpatient rehab.
If you do need inpatient rehab care, there are some things that you can do that may be able to help you with your affordability. We will go over these below.
How Can I Afford Rehab?
To make inpatient rehab more affordable, there are several options that you can explore. You could check if your health insurance covers any part of the treatment, as many insurance companies do provide coverage for addiction treatment. Some facilities also offer sliding scale fees based on income or payment plans that allow you to pay for the treatment over time rather than as a lump sum.
Some rehab facilities also offer scholarships or grants for those who cannot afford the cost. It might require some research, but finding these financial aid options could be the key to receiving the comprehensive treatment that inpatient rehab offers without the financial burden.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and finding the right form of treatment that suits your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget is essential in successfully overcoming addiction. Inpatient rehab, while more expensive, could be a valuable investment in achieving a sober, healthier future.
As mentioned above, one way to help you afford rehab is by signing up for the various NHS rehab services that are available, as these are all free. You may need to begin by visiting your GP, who will then assess you and determine your addiction and which treatment options would be best for you.
Your GP may refer you to a counsellor or may encourage ongoing rehab support. They can also prescribe medications that can help you get through your withdrawals when you detox from the substance you’re addicted to.
They may also assign an addiction counsellor who can help guide you through the rest of the recovery process.
The NHS also funds some inpatient treatments. However, this type of support is very difficult to get, and there is usually a very long waiting list to get this type of treatment through the NHS. It can take months and sometimes even years to get the treatment you need.
Local Support Groups
It may be beneficial to check out local support groups and community-based organisations that offer drug and alcohol treatments and support for addicts. Some examples of these groups include Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
These types of groups allow anyone to attend for free, and it’s a great way of building a support network when you are recovering from your addiction.
In these meetings, everyone is there for the same reason, so everyone can help to motivate one another. If you are going through your recovery alone at home, this can be one of the most beneficial things that you can attend as it can allow you to make new friends, learn from others, and get the motivation you need from other people’s success stories.
What Other Options Do I Have If I Can’t Afford Rehab?
If you can’t afford rehab, there are several other payment options that you could seek out to help you.
Support from Friends and Family Members
Everybody knows that addictions don’t just harm the addict themselves. Addictions can affect a person’s friends and family members as well.
You could find that your friends and family members are willing to pitch in and help you with the cost of rehab if they know that it will help make you better.
Once you finally admit that you have a problem with addiction and that you need professional help, your friends and family members will most likely be willing to do whatever it takes to help you get the help you need.
Insurance Providers and Non-Profit Organisations
Just like with addictions impacting not only the individual but also their friends and family, it’s recognised that healthcare issues don’t solely affect the individual. They can also have a significant impact on employers and non-profit organisations that are closely involved with the person’s life.
Your employer may be invested in your wellness and productivity and may help with healthcare costs, including those associated with rehab programmes. Many employers provide health insurance that covers substance abuse treatment, and others may have additional wellness programmes in place to support their employees.
Similarly, there are numerous non-profit organisations that understand the gravity of addiction and work to provide resources to those struggling with it. They may offer financial assistance for treatment, provide connections to affordable care, or advocate for better healthcare policies to support those in need.
When you’re ready to seek help for your addiction, it’s important to remember these (often overlooked) insurance providers. Both your employer and relevant non-profit organisations may be willing to help you navigate your path to recovery, potentially easing the financial burden of treatment. It’s incredibly important to research and reach out to these resources that are in place to support you.
Loans
There are many loans available out there, and some loans are specifically designed to help people pay for their substance abuse treatment.
If you want to get your addiction treated, but you can’t afford the costs at once, you may be able to take out a loan to pay for it, which will see you being able to repay the cost of treatment over time, at a fee that is affordable for you to maintain.
Many studies have shown that good quality addiction treatment can help the chances of someone remaining sober in the long term. Although you may think that this option is out of your price range, you will benefit more from taking the treatment than you would not benefit from taking out the loan.
Payment Agreements
Some rehabs may offer affordable payment plans. You could make payments to the rehab in instalments rather than all in one go. These payments are usually on a direct debit basis and will be taken from your account each month to cover the cost of your ongoing treatment.
Many different rehabs will offer different payment options to help you with your affordability, so it’s worth asking what the options are.
To find out more about the cost of rehab and options for you to take, call our admissions team, who will be happy to discuss your options with you. Call 01908 489 421 or fill out the contact form for a callback.