Rehabilitation centers have become a popular choice for those who are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. It may seem like a good idea to take a step back and focus on the core problems, but many states that this is not always best. In fact, it can make things worse as there is no financial support available which can be very difficult for those struggling with addiction.
Reasons rehabs can’t be free
With this form of treatment being so expensive, many individuals believe that rehab centers should be free of charge instead. However, the issue doesn’t lie in what price people think treatment programs should be. Still, it’s about how the system is currently set up, making it impossible for these centers to offer free services without compromising quality. Although it seems like a good idea to do so, rehab centers need to invest money to maintain the required certification and licensing. Without the proper licenses, the program will not be recognized by any state agency, stunting their growth and ultimately causing them to shut down. For treatment facilities to retain their licensure, they have to meet several requirements regarding staffing levels and quality of care.
In many states across America, stringent guidelines must be followed in these areas, which require additional funding from the center to pay for administration costs or even medical bills. This means that rehab centers cannot provide a high enough standard of care without charging individuals a fee, which could result in harm rather than good, further exacerbating the addiction issue. Without charging fees, the center would not hire enough qualified professionals, leading to less than ideal outcomes for addicts. Due to the increased funding requirements by many rehab centers to maintain their licensing and certification, they often have to increase their program rates. This can make it more difficult for people who are struggling financially to get the help they need due to them finding it impossible to pay for treatment without insurance or some other form of financial support.
What Can Be Done?
Even though there are challenges with providing free treatment, this idea has gained considerable momentum in recent times. As of 2016, more than 60 drug prevention programs were offered by more than 25 federal agencies across the country. Some states like California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have started to reduce incarceration rates by providing free treatment programs to keep people out of prison. For rehab treatment to be truly effective, it has to provide a safe environment where clients can recover from addiction without facing any financial difficulties they often encounter outside of rehabilitation. In some cases, addicts will avoid seeking help until their situation becomes so bad that they are either arrested or hospitalized, so early intervention is vital.
So What’s The Answer?
It isn’t as simple as just providing free treatment; it requires a new system that doesn’t require large amounts of funding for physicians and professionals to implement a treatment program. Regarding drug rehabilitation, there are ways to be provided in a more effective manner that doesn’t involve taking advantage of the clientele. Instead of charging exorbitant fees for treatment to meet increased requirements, physicians and other professionals should find new methods to raise money without impacting the offered quality of care.
This way, addicts won’t have to pay more than is necessary while still getting exactly what they need, allowing them to get back on their feet faster and begin living a normal life again. Rehab centers can also look into fundraisers or even grants that they can apply for if they don’t want to compromise their patients’ care. By doing this, rehab facilities will provide clients with a high standard of care, maintain their licensing and certification and continue the fight against addiction.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of rehab facilities that don’t charge their patients anything due to receiving government funding or having another form of income stream. Rehab centers like this can often offer addicts support without the fear of financial consequences hampering their efforts which can be invaluable to avoid relapse further down the line. If you require rehab services, call us today at 833-364-0736.. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day!