Substance abuse treatment can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, especially when considering inpatient rehab programs.
This high expense can be a barrier to getting treatment. However, free and low-cost treatment options are available for people with limited financial means.
Read on to learn about five of the best free addiction treatment centers in the U.S., including their treatment services, payment options, and more.
Is Free Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment Available In The U.S.?
There are free rehab centers in the U.S. that provide services for people who don’t have private insurance coverage or who have little or no income.
These programs often also provide services for people facing housing insecurity and other challenges due to limited financial resources.
A few key groups that provide free and low-cost addiction recovery programs are:
- religious organizations and faith-based treatment centers
- government-funded programs
- rehab centers with a sliding fee scale
- nonprofits that offer free drug abuse treatment
How Can I Get Free Substance Abuse Rehab Services In The U.S.?
To receive free treatment for alcohol or drug addiction in the U.S., you or your loved one has a few different options.
First, try locating a free rehab center that offers services at no cost. Or, you might enroll in Medicaid to attain free healthcare.
You can also search for programs that receive government funding in the form of block grants or competitive grants to cover the cost of addiction treatment for clients.
We’ll explore each option below.
Medicaid-Accepting Drug Rehab Centers
With Medicaid, people can receive addiction treatment at no cost, or very little cost, if they qualify.
The government program provides healthcare for:
- low-income people
- families and children
- pregnant women
- adults over the age of 65
- people with disabilities
- people who are blind
Eligibility varies by state, with some states extending coverage to all residents with low incomes, based on the federal poverty level (FPL).
Medicaid covers many types of treatment options, such as:
- inpatient rehab
- outpatient treatment
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- medical detoxification
- counseling
- transitional living
Additionally, people with Medicaid and Medicare can use both government assistance programs to cover the cost of treatment.
Medicaid usually provides full coverage, which makes for free services. In some cases, there may be copays, but these fees are capped at a certain amount.
Government Funding For Addiction Recovery
There are many grants available for substance abuse treatment services nationwide for people who want to get help for themselves or a loved one.
Use the following list of government-funded grants to find one that’s right for you or a loved one.
The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, And Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers new grants each year to help people in need of treatment.
Its SUBG program serves all 50 states, allowing states and jurisdictions to provide substance abuse prevention services, addiction treatment, and other services.
SUBG funding is focused on the following high-risk groups:
- those who inject drugs
- pregnant women
- women with dependent children
To benefit from SUBG funds, a drug and alcohol rehab center that receives this type of funding can help you determine if you qualify.
Other SAMHSA Grants
Two other examples of SAMHSA grants that have helped many Americans overcome drug dependency and mental illness are listed below.
SAMHSA issued a few emergency grants to treat mental and substance use disorders during COVID-19, however, these applications are now closed.
The Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program provides help for federally recognized:
- American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes
- tribal organizations
- Urban Indian Organizations
- consortia of tribes or tribal organizations
This program aims to prevent and reduce suicide and substance use among AI/AN young people up to 24 years of age.
Another grant program is the Family Counseling and Support for LGBTQI+ Youth and their Families (or LGBTQI+ Family Support).
LGBTQI+ Family Support funding aims to achieve the following:
- prevent homelessness, depression, drug use, HIV, and other behavioral health risks among LGBTQI+ young people
- establish counseling and support for LGBTQI+ young people and their families
- promote the well-being of LGBTQI+ young people in the context of their families, cultures, and communities
Where Can I Find Free Alcohol And Drug Treatment In The U.S.?
Free treatment can be found in states across the U.S. Some states have more options than others, but all states have some form of free treatment.
Below you can find a list of free rehab centers that offer services at no cost or accept Medicaid for free treatment.
These drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers were selected based on:
- accreditations
- partnerships
- client testimonials
- staff credentials
- other indicators of quality care
1. Addiction Care Interventions (ACI), Brooklyn, New York
ACI has helped people in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and beyond with substance use issues for more than 40 years.
The overarching goal of treatment at ACI is to improve all areas of life for clients, aiming to help meet their physical, emotional, familial, occupational, and social needs.
Trusted features:
- Joint Commission accreditation
- state licensure
- licensed staff
Levels of care:
- residential treatment
- partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Treatment services:
- methadone treatment
- buprenorphine treatment
- naltrexone treatment
- dual diagnosis treatment
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- case management
Payment options:
- Medicaid
- private health insurance
- self-payment
Location and contact information:
589 Rockaway Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11212
(800) 724-4444
2. CleanSlate, Phoenix, Arizona (And Multiple Other Locations)
CleanSlate is a drug treatment network with locations in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The organization partners with social and human service organizations, law enforcement, and medical professionals to help clients achieve lasting recovery.
Trusted features:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation
- state licensure
- licensed staff
Levels of care:
- outpatient program (OP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Treatment services:
- motivational interviewing (MI)
- counseling
- telehealth
- relapse prevention
- case management
- deaf and hard-of-hearing services
Payment options:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- TRICARE
- private health insurance
- self-payment
Location and contact information:
8410 W. Thomas Rd.
Ste. #124
Phoenix, AZ 85037
(480) 417-5289
3. Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD), San Diego, California
Crossroads, San Diego, California
The Crossroads Foundation is a California organization offering an addiction recovery program for women with substance use disorders involving alcohol or drugs.
Crossroads was founded in 1957 and is located in a quiet residential area near downtown San Diego.
Trusted features:
- state licensure
- licensed staff
- non-profit status
Levels of care:
- residential treatment
- partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Treatment services:
- dual diagnosis treatment
- anger management
- deaf and hard-of-hearing services
- case management
- trauma-informed therapy
- counseling
Payment options:
- government funding
- free/low-cost
Location and contact information:
3594 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
(619 )296-1151
4. The Salvation Army, Bell Gardens, California (And Multiple Other Locations)
The Salvation Army is a faith-based, nationwide organization that provides many services for those in need.
This location can accommodate up to 500 men and women at a time, providing comprehensive services including interim housing, case management, and addiction care.
Trusted features:
- accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
- state licensure
- licensed staff
- non-profit status
Levels of care:
- residential treatment
- partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- aftercare
Treatment services:
- dual diagnosis treatment
- 12-step recovery groups
- counseling
- case management
- relapse prevention
Payment options:
- payment assistance
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- government funding
Location and contact information:
5600 Rickenbacker Rd.
Ste. #2-AB
Bell Gardens, CA 90201
(323) 263-1206
5. Sobriety House, Denver, Colorado
Sobriety House was incorporated in 1967 by the Rev. Ernest Baber, an unorthodox minister who left behind the church setting to run a street mission for the poor.
Today it serves clients of all backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation and their ability to pay for services.
Trusted features:
- 4.2-star Google rating
- state licensure
- licensed staff
- non-profit status
Levels of care:
- residential treatment
- partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- outpatient program (OP)
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- aftercare
Treatment services:
- buprenorphine treatment
- sober living
- 12-step recovery groups
- counseling
- individual therapy
Payment options:
- government funding
- private health insurance
- self-payment
- Medicaid
Location and contact information:
121 Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223
(720) 381-4334
Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers By State
Find free drug rehab centers in your state:
Free Rehab Vs. Private Rehab
Knowing the difference between free rehab centers and private rehab centers can help you or a loved one make a better-informed choice if you have the opportunity.
These types of addiction treatment programs usually offer different services and levels of care.
Free Rehab Centers
The benefit of choosing a free addiction treatment center is that you’ll be able to get treatment for drug or alcohol abuse at no cost.
These programs usually provide drug treatment, but the range of care is sometimes limited.
In a free rehab center, you may not have as many choices in programming or therapies as you would with a private center.
All services must also be FDA-approved and thus may not include holistic (“whole person” approach) therapies such as yoga, meditation, or outdoor therapies.
Free rehab centers also tend to have very long waitlists of weeks or months because many people are in need of addiction treatment services at no cost.
Private Rehab Centers
Private rehab centers are more costly but usually offer a wider range of treatment options.
At a private drug rehabilitation program, clients may be offered:
- individualized treatment plans
- holistic treatment methods
- more treatment providers and staff members
- more beds
- a larger offering of medications
Waitlists are usually much shorter for private drug rehab centers. These facilities may accept TRICARE military insurance in addition to private insurance and offer payment assistance options.
Criteria For Free Rehab In The U.S.
You may need to meet certain criteria to receive free drug and alcohol treatment services.
Many free rehab centers have one or more of the following requirements:
- participants must fall within a certain age bracket
- participants must have identification such as a birth certificate, social security card, or ID
- participants must agree to all of the programs required for the drug rehab
- participants must complete a phone or video interview
What Other Financing Options Are Available For Alcohol And Drug Rehab?
Free treatment may be difficult to come by given the high demand. Additionally, in some states, very few free rehab centers are available.
You can try one of the following financing options for substance abuse treatment:
- use Medicaid or Medicare to cover treatment
- use private insurance
- find treatment centers that have a sliding fee scale
- get a bank loan
- find treatment programs that offer scholarships
FAQs For Free Rehab Centers In The U.S.
Find answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about free drug and alcohol rehab centers in the U.S.
How Long Can I Stay In Treatment At A Free Rehab Center?
The length of treatment depends on the program. Some free programs, such as detoxification programs, will only allow a few days of treatment.
Other programs, such as residential rehab or supportive housing, may extend for weeks or months.
What Free Options Do I Have Outside Of Rehab?
If you’d like to pursue recovery outside of a rehab center, a good place to start is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
These 12-step program groups are completely free and focus on the community aspect of addiction recovery.
Other options include non-12-step support groups, which operate similarly to AA but are secular, or counselors or therapists who may accept Medicaid or offer low-cost payment options.
Do Free Rehab Centers Accept Private Health Insurance?
Free rehab centers usually accept private health insurance, but not all. There may be a limited number of private health insurance providers accepted at a free rehab center.
Do Free Drug Rehab Centers Accept Medicaid?
Most free rehab centers accept Medicaid and Medicare. Some programs are fully covered by donations and government funding and therefore don’t require insurance.
Are Any Private Rehab Centers Free?
Some private rehab centers accept Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE to cover the cost of treatment in addition to private insurance. However, there are no private rehab centers that are free of charge.
State-funded rehab centers may also be an option for people without insurance plans.
Learn More About Free Addiction Rehab In The U.S.
To learn more about free rehab and low-cost options, reach out to Detox Rehabs today. We also may be able to connect you to a rehab program that’s right for you or your loved one.
Article Sources- Benefits.gov—Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/871 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Emergency Grants to Address Mental and Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/fg-20-006 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Fiscal Year 2021 Grant Announcements and Awards
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements-2021 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/SM-21-011 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—Who is eligible for Medicaid?
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/who-is-eligible-for-medicaid/index.html