Are you looking for rehab but don’t feel you can afford it? Want to stop using drugs or alcohol but can’t see a way out of the darkness? Here at the Providence Projects, we know what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. We’re here to tell you that there is a way out of addiction, and a light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery is possible. Going to rehab is a daunting prospect for most people. Admitting you have a problem and facing it head-on, leaving behind friends and family and taking time off work is overwhelming for anyone. You may be torn between holding onto your long-held and deeply rooted coping mechanisms – despite the havoc caused -and getting clean and sober. The fear of letting go of your addiction can be so strong: it’s almost as if the drugs or alcohol have become your best friend, the thing that comes before everything else. You might wonder: How can I live life and function without substances in my system? What would I do with all that free time that I used to spend drinking or using? And perhaps most scary of all, who am I clean and sober?
Investing in your Future
We understand how terrifying it can be to make the decision to go to rehab. We also know that it can be very costly, but when you think that alcoholism or drug addiction can cost you your life, it’s a small price to pay. Going to rehab and getting into recovery is an investment in your future and the best decision you can make – for yourself and your family. No matter what your financial situation, we are committed to helping you access the treatment you need, because we know what you stand to gain. Recovery means you get your life back: your freedom, happiness and self-esteem, a sense of purpose and direction, a real chance of employment and meaningful relationships with family and friends.
There are different services available when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction treatment, and various funding options to suit all budgets. Ultimately, someone pays for every programme on offer, there is no ‘free rehab’ as such. The important thing is not to let this get in the way of accessing the help you need. There are many options to suit any budget, and you should never feel that recovery is off limits to you just because you can’t afford private rehab treatment. Below are some options to consider:
Free NHS Services
The obvious benefit of using NHS services for addiction problems, is that they are free. You may start by visiting your GP, getting a medical assessment and if suitable, a referral to local drug and alcohol services within the community. These offer free services such as group therapy, workshops, mentoring and counselling to support you. There are often outpatient day programmes available, where you attend the service and groups during the day and return home in the evenings. Unlike a residential treatment programme, your life is not monitored and structured 24 hours a day. Many addicts in early recovery struggle in the evenings without support, and so are at a higher risk of relapse.
The main disadvantage with NHS services is that these services are stretched and under pressure due to funding cuts in recent years, so waiting times can be very long. Of course, in the meantime you can find out about other free programmes on offer from support groups or charities, or attend a 12-step meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Local Authority Funding
Residential rehab is expensive, but in some cases you may be able to receive funding from your local authority. This secures you a place at a private residential rehab clinic in the UK for drug or alcohol detox and treatment, although this process is often lengthy and by no means a guarantee. After being referred to your local council’s drug and alcohol service – by yourself, your GP, social worker, hospital or other institution – you will be assigned a keyworker responsible for your case. They will carry out an assessment to gauge your needs, whether you require a detox programme, and to check that you meet the criteria for residential treatment. Your keyworker will then recommend addiction treatment services within the community. You will be required to demonstrate a high level of commitment and engagement with the services over a significant period of time – sometimes years – although this differs from council to council. If all recommendations are followed your key worker may then apply for funding for residential rehab addiction treatment.
Unfortunately, there has been a significant decrease in spending on addiction services, since the government’s decision to remove ring-fenced budgets for drug and alcohol treatment in 2012, and instead pass funding responsibility to local councils. As a result, it is now very difficult to get local authority-funded access to private rehab. In England alone, more than half of local authorities have cut their budgets for drug and alcohol treatment despite addiction-related hospital admissions soaring this year. This is illustrated by data from a recent Freedom of Information request by Labour MP Liam Byrne. The largest budget cut was by Birmingham city council at £3,846,000 which is 19% of its budget. The borough of Islington cut the largest proportion of its budget at 34%, amounting to £2,431,800. Worryingly, local authorities are planning to cut addiction treatment services by a further 2% next year.
These figures offer some context to the current situation. It isn’t to say that securing funding is impossible, but it’s by no means an easy route, or a quick one. Many people reach a point of desperation with their addiction and need immediate help to stop, and this is where private rehab clinics pose an advantage.
Need Urgent Help?
Self-Funding
For most people addicted to drugs or alcohol, a residential stay in a treatment centre like ours, offers the best chance of a stable and long-lasting recovery. Being physically removed from their substance of choice as well as their old drinking and using environments and acquaintances, is often what’s needed for the substance misuser to break the cycle of addiction. At the Providence Projects, we understand the huge financial cost that comes with entering a private rehab, and we do not underestimate the sacrifices that families make to get their loved one into treatment. That’s why we aim to provide the most affordable costs in the UK , as well as the best value for money.
Our residential rehabilitation programmes are comprehensive: from 1-1 counselling and group therapy, to workshops and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. We also offer family therapy and support for families of addicts, which can be significant in a person’s treatment. After all, addiction is a family illness, wreaking havoc not only on the addict or alcoholic, but on everyone who cares about them too. Many people who come to us will require a medical drug or alcohol detox. These are overseen by fully trained professionals to ensure the safety and comfort of each client. Our philosophy is that detox is only the beginning. Instead it is the combination of therapies, overall treatment programme, and the relationships built with peers during a client’s time with us, that really make the difference.
If you’re reading this and think that you or a loved one needs help, please call us today to find out more about the different programmes available. You can speak to one of our experienced team of addiction counsellors or complete our quick and easy contact form. Our counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and the skills to help you make the decision that feels right for you and for your family. No matter how impossible the situation seems right now, please remember that recovery is within reach. You can get well, and build the foundation for a new way of life, clean and sober.
