Do Free Rehab Centers Provide Medication?

Pharmacological treatment options are one of the most often used, evidence-based approaches for addiction recovery, and as such, most free rehab centers do provide medication. Call 800-934-7205 (Who Answers?) now to learn more about free rehab centers and to find a program that suits your needs.

Medications as Part of Addiction Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medications and behavioral therapies are often used together to treat addiction in an effective, evidence-based practice that has been used for several decades.

“Medications can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions.” As a result, most rehab centers provide medications as part of care so that patients can receive an effective and well-rounded treatment program for their addictions.

Which Medications Are Used in Free Rehab Programs?

The medications provided at free rehab centers work to alleviate withdrawal and prevent relapse.

Free rehab centers use many of the same medical treatments utilized by other types of programs. These facilities are meant to help individuals with low incomes and/or severe financial need so that they can still seek the necessary treatment for their recoveries. Therefore, similar pharmacological options are available in most types of rehab centers, including

Methadone: Methadone is a drug used to treat opioid addiction. It is very effective for minimizing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and allowing an individual to live their daily life without severe side effects. Methadone can be habit-forming when abused, though, which is why it can only be obtained by attending a special type of facility called a methadone clinic.
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine also treats opioid addiction. It causes many of the same effects as methadone, but it is much safer from abuse. The drug itself has a ceiling effect, and it is often marketed with naloxone so it precipitates withdrawal in those who attempt to abuse it. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, buprenorphine should only be used by those with mild to moderate dependencies on opioids.
Naltrexone: This medication is not well tolerated by most patients, but it can be effective for those with a strong desire to quit using opioids. The drug can also be a treatment for alcohol addiction. Naltrexone blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, keeping a person from being able to experience the effects of opioids and/or alcohol.
Acamprosate: This medication, also known as Campral, can be used to reduce long-lasting withdrawal symptoms in those suffering from alcoholism. Individuals with severe addictions often benefit most from this medication.
Disulfiram: Patients who take disulfiram often need a strong motivation to stop drinking, but this medication can be effective for alcohol addiction. The drug interferes with the body’s ability to break down alcohol, causing unpleasant effects when one drinks.

Other medications may also be used in a free rehab center to treat addiction and other symptoms associated with it. For example, stimulant addicts sometimes suffer from severe psychosis during the withdrawal syndrome, and antipsychotics may be necessary for safe treatment. A patient may also be weaned off drugs like benzodiazepines or barbiturates rather than being taken off them immediately, as withdrawal symptoms from these substances can be severe. And comorbid disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, may need to be treated with medications as well (NIDA).

12 Reasons to Choose a Free Methadone Maintenance Rehab Center

Will My Medication Be Free?

This depends heavily on the program itself and your current financial situation. Some treatment facilities offer payment assistance in the form of partially free care or a sliding fee scale and others offer completely free treatment. Sometimes, medication can be an additional cost, but patients should discuss this issue with their rehab center in order to determine an option that is suitable for their needs.

If medication is necessary to your safe recovery, it is important not to attempt to go without it during treatment. Instead, make sure that you seek the rehab option you need and that the program you choose understands your financial situation as well as your requirements for treatment.

Want to Find a Free Rehab Program Today?

Let us help you find the best recovery option for your needs and to begin treatment without experiencing more financial issues. Call 800-934-7205 (Who Answers?) now to be matched with a rehab program that suits your needs and to ask any questions you may have about addiction, treatment, and recovery.