Addiction to substances such as drugs and alcohol is a problem for millions of sufferers. It can appear that life is hopeless. However, there is a better way to live. You do not have to continue down the same dismal path of devastation.
The hope is in recovery. Many begin this journey by participating in a drug rehab program. There are different types of treatment facilities and different lengths of programs available. One important distinction is the cost.
Certain drug rehab programs cost very little, while others are more expensive. There are even free programs. But what are the differences between paid and free drug rehab programs near you? Let’s explore a few of these differences to help you choose.
Why Treatment?
A treatment facility has been the first stepping stone for millions in recovery. The tools and knowledge available is tremendous. Attending a drug rehab doesn’t guarantee a clean and sober life, but it improves your chances dramatically. Treatment programs help you to appreciate how destructive addiction can be.
They also show you why the changes you make need to be permanent. There is also the visible evidence to help give you hope. Treatment is where recovery begins. Now, between free and paid rehab centers, which has the most benefits overall?
Benefits of a Free Rehab Center
Free treatment opportunities are often portrayed unfairly. Since a lot of individuals facing criminal charges are afforded a free, state-funded rehab alternative, these facilities are associated with jail. They are not.
A vast majority of the individuals who elect to attend a free drug rehab are not facing jail-time necessarily. If you are indigent, or have lost your source of employment, you may have no choice. Free treatment facilities allow these types of people to seek help.
The main focus of all treatment facilities is to help you live a life free of drugs and alcohol. A free rehab program will give you the tools necessary to begin this lifelong journey. At no cost, or with little more than minimal fees, a free treatment program gives you a chance.
Beyond the cost and general focus on helping you establish a foundation for recovery, free rehab centers cannot compete with private facilities. After you look past the cost, there are many benefits of choosing a paid rehab program. Let’s explore some of these benefits.
Benefits of a Paid Rehab Center
State-funded or free rehab centers provide essential services to people who might otherwise not be able to pay for help. Paid treatment facilities offer a wider range of programs. These rehab centers will provide more variety and may include extra features. Let’s explore a few common differences you might find at a paid treatment facility vs. a free rehab.
Dual Diagnosis
Funding at free facilities must be a focus for those entrusted with overseeing the day-to-day operations. There may not be an opportunity to hire an extensively trained staff of addiction specialists. Free rehabs will offer basic recovery.
Paid treatment facilities are often capable of dealing with the important underlying mental health issues that fuel addiction. This can be critical to helping you sustain your recovery. No one wants to get clean and sober, only to be miserable. Dual diagnosis helps address the outside issues that cause addictive behavior.
Accommodations
Free drug rehabs are on a stricter budget that paid facilities. The accommodations are not poor in most instances, but they cannot compete with the comfortable surroundings that a paid treatment center can provide. These improved accommodations allow you better privacy as well.
Location
Since most free rehab centers get their funding from the state, the availability of treatment usually is only for state residents. Private treatment facilities that cost will usually accept you no matter what state you live in. This isn’t always true, but it is an option to consider, especially if you’re looking at a facility in another state.
Activities
This is one of the most common differences between free rehab centers and private facilities. Free drug rehabs will only be able to afford basic recovery services. While these may be competent programs, they will rarely offer much in the area of activities.
Private treatment centers can provide a wealth of new experiences through these experiences. Many will blend things such as music and art into your treatment therapy. Exercise opportunities are frequently available at paid treatment facilities. Invariably, the availability and diversity of activities will be far greater at a private treatment center that is not free.
If you do not have the financial resources to pay for your treatment, do not decide against going to treatment. Not attending treatment is not an option. That decision could cost you your life. While free drug rehabs may not rate as highly in some areas, they can be a good first step.
However, if you have viable insurance or can afford the cost of a paid treatment facility, you should strongly consider this option. It’s not necessarily that you get what you pay for, but there are benefits at paid facilities, which are not part of a free treatment program. That is not a knock on free treatment, it’s just the reality.
No matter what decision you make today, if you think you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, make the choice to seek help. Helps is there. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call. The call will cost you nothing. The choice not to call could cost you your life. Make the smart choice. Make the call to 833-364-0736.