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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Free Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

There are a number of ways to get help and seek recovery from alcohol addiction, even if you don’t have insurance. There are many different options to seek free alcohol treatment and programs to help alcoholics for those unable to cover the costs of alcoholism treatment. If you have insurance, you’re likely covered for more comprehensive, evidence-based treatment than your local government-sponsored options. Content on Alcohol.org is brought to you by American Addiction Centers (AAC), a leading provider of hospital-based, residential, and outpatient addiction treatment throughout the U.S. You can also call our hotline any time of day or night at 888-685-5770 to speak to a compassionate navigator who can help to determine your next steps.

Who Qualifies for Free Alcohol Rehab?

Whether or not one qualifies for free alcohol rehab will depend on a variety of factors. Many free alcohol rehabs have strict rules so they can help the people most in need. Meeting a certain income threshold is usually the main way that one qualifies for free alcohol treatment. But you may also still be able to get free care if you meet certain social requirements, such as:

  • Being a veteran.
  • Being a member of a certain faith community.
  • Being a member of a priority population such as
    • Teens.
    • Pregnant and parenting women.
    • People who have or are at risk of HIV infection.
    • People affected by trauma.

Different Types of Free Alcohol Rehab Programs

There are many types of free rehab treatment centers. The kind you choose will depend on your specific needs.

Free Faith-Based Alcohol Rehab Programs

Even if you are not a religious person, you may also want to consider faith-based rehabilitation programs. Many faith-based programs are free of charge and do not require their patients to subscribe to any particular religious belief. These programs may be accessed by coordinating with one’s local religious institution, or reached directly online or via email.

Free Government- and State-Funded Alcohol Rehab

If faith-based rehabilitation and professional rehab clinics are not viable options for you, look into treatment at state-funded and government alcohol rehabilitation centers. These programs are funded by tax dollars and vary from state to state. Some offer long-term treatment including residential care, while others offer only short-term rehab consisting primarily of detoxification.

Eligibility requirements for government rehab programs are generally very strict. When applying for state-funded programs, to prove you qualify, you may be asked about:

  • Your annual income.
  • Your substance use history.
  • Proof you are a legal resident of the United States.
  • Proof you live in the state in which you are applying.

Free Alcohol Recovery Support Groups

Another way to seek help is by searching out local support groups in your area, most of which are free to attend. A supportive community of like-minded, recovery-focused peers such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can play an important role in your recovery. Although AA members are not required to be religious, many of the steps involve the belief in the divine being. If this isn’t for you, a variety of support groups are available with no religious affiliation. These 12-Step alternatives include:

Free Online and Virtual Support Groups for Alcohol Addiction

If you live in a rural area and or do not have the ability to attend traditional support groups, online support groups may prove to be beneficial for you. Nearly all of the support groups that offer in-person meetings also offer free online meetings. These meetings offer fellowship, support, encouragement, and advice from recovering alcoholics.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorders (~40-60%) approximate those of several other chronic diseases such as asthma, type II diabetes, and hypertension. Support groups in recovery can help to reduce the likelihood of relapse. These self-help groups can aid in further solidifying the coping skills and other recovery tools learned in rehab. Members may be better able to empathize with and understand each other’s situations than those who haven’t struggled with addiction firsthand.

Ways to Pay for Alcohol Rehab

While not everyone will qualify for free rehab programs, cost still doesn’t need to be a barrier to treatment. If you have insurance, it may cover more than you think. Contact your insurance company to ask about what they will and won’t cover.

If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. Many affordable rehab centers take payments, offer a sliding scale, or even have financing options. Research your options for addiction treatment without insurance to see what would work for you. When you contact a treatment center, have information about your income and insurance ready so they can verify that you qualify for their free services.

How to Find Free Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Finding appropriate free alcohol treatment for yourself can be an overwhelming undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be an arduous process. Remember that it is okay to ask for help in finding free treatment options—it’s a sign of immense strength, not weakness. Options include:

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator makes it easy to find free alcohol rehab near you.
  • Nonprofit organizations often offer free services for those in need. A few of these include The Amy Winehouse Foundation and Shatterproof.
  • Churches and other faith-based organizations. Call any of these local to you and ask if they offer free treatment programs.

Does My Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Whether or not insurance will cover one’s alcohol rehab fully depends on the type of insurance plan, where one attends rehab, how long the treatment program lasts and how intense it is. It’s important to reach out to one’s insurance provider before committing to treatment to determine the extent of one’s coverage. You can also reach out to American Addiction Centers to verify your insurance benefits. Our admissions navigators can walk you through the process and help determine whether your insurance will fully cover your alcohol rehab. Don’t delay, reach out to use today at .

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