In today’s modern world, there are two sad facts: Millions of Americans live in poverty, and millions of Americans also don’t have access to substance abuse treatment they need. The two groups don’t always overlap, but when they do, living a happy life can often seem impossible.
If you’re living below the poverty line, the price of rehab might make you balk, especially if you don’t have health insurance that will cover it. You may also be unable to take unpaid time off work. If you work multiple jobs, you may even be worried about how to add outpatient treatment to your already-busy schedule. And if part of your income is going toward drugs or alcohol, you might feel like you’re helplessly caught in a cycle you can’t seem to break.
It doesn’t have to be like this. You may not be able to afford a luxury treatment center, but studies show that some treatment is much better than no treatment. There are resources available for you to get help.
Treatment Options When You Have a Limited Income
If you can afford to take the time off work, inpatient rehab is always the most highly recommended option. It’s not out of reach, either. You may be able to enroll in an inpatient program if:
- You have health insurance coverage that includes rehab centers
- Your treatment center has inexpensive treatment options for individuals with a low income
- You can set up a long-term payment plan with monthly amounts that are manageable
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Family and Medical Leave Act entitles you to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide paid leave.
If you can only get outpatient treatment, that’s okay. Many mental health centers and outpatient treatment centers provide a “sliding scale” for finances. If you live below the poverty line, you won’t be expected to pay much out of pocket.
A mental health center can give you access to a counselor. You may also meet with a psychiatrist to address any underlying mental health issues that can be helped with medication.
You can also get group support completely free of charge. Many 12-step and secular support groups meet all over the country. You can connect with other people who are struggling like you.
If you’re ready to get help, we have trained counselors available 24/7 at (833) 762-3765. Give us a call.