Can I Afford Detox For Drug And Alcohol Addiction?

There are multiple factors an individual has to consider before they begin medical detox or addiction treatment in general, including the level of care, location, and finances. 

Finances are a major determining factor for many when deciding on their treatment plan. While financial conversations can seem daunting, many financing options are available so you or a loved one can receive the care you need for substance abuse.

What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detox may be necessary for those who are physically dependent on a substance and experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop substance use. The detoxification process often needs to occur before an individual can begin inpatient treatment so that the individual is mentally and physically prepared for treatment.

Withdrawal symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can even be fatal, so it is crucial not to undergo detox without medical professionals present. 

When going through a medical detox, the individual will be closely monitored by medical staff and may be given medication to help manage their withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals may administer Benzodiazepines to ease anxiety, agitation, and insomnia symptoms. They may also administer Opioid agonist-antagonist medications, such as Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, or antidepressants to help with depression and anxiety, or sleep medications to help with insomnia.

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Payment Options For Detox Programs

As mentioned, financing options are available for medical detox. Payment options for detoxification include:

Health Insurance

Many insurance plans, including private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, will cover the cost of substance abuse detox. To find out if an insurance company will cover a specific detox program, individuals can call their insurance company to speak with a representative or call the treatment facilities and ask for assistance.

Most treatment facilities have a financial department that will review an individual’s insurance benefits to see if it will cover their program. If you would like to see which rehabs take your insurance, check out the rehab directory today.  

State Funding

Another financing option for treatment is state funding programs. Some states offer to fund treatment specifically for those seeking help for substance abuse. These programs may cover the cost of detox and other levels of care, such as inpatient or outpatient programs. Individuals can call the detox facility to learn if state funding is available for their program. 

Sliding Fee Scale

Some detox centers offer a sliding scale fee based on an individual’s income. A sliding scale fee is typically limited to people who have insubstantial financial resources or fall below a certain monetary threshold. When using a sliding scale fee, the detox center will calculate the price a person will pay for treatment based on their income.

Self-Pay

Self-pay or private pay is when someone pays out of pocket for treatment services. Most detox centers allow individuals to pay for treatment out-of-pocket. This option is usually more expensive but can also provide increased flexibility regarding treatment options.

Financing

Some treatment facilities offer financing options or work with third-party lenders to develop affordable payment plans. Many detox programs have a professional team of counselors, financial advisors, admissions coordinators, or case managers that can help you navigate the financial aspect of treatment. They can also help determine if an individual qualifies for potential funding sources.

When Is A Medical Detox Necessary?

As mentioned, medical detox is often the first step in receiving treatment, and it may be necessary if an individual displays the following signs: 

  • Severe withdrawal symptoms (i.e., seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens)
  • Co-occurring medical or mental conditions
  • Increased substance tolerance    
  • Difficulty stopping or decreasing substance use
  • Intense cravings

One should note that detox alone is not a substitute for substance abuse treatment and is typically only the first step in addressing the addiction. After detox, individuals typically enter an inpatient or outpatient treatment program to learn about triggers, healthy coping skills, and relapse prevention.

A medical detox typically lasts about 3-7 days, during which a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and counselors, will monitor an individual around the clock.

Find A Detox Program For Addiction Recovery Today

Finances are an important factor to consider before pursuing detox programs, and thankfully many financing options are available to help. For a free and confidential phone call on financial options for treatment, contact a treatment provider today. Don’t wait to receive the care you deserve.