Alcohol & Drug Rehabs in Lowell, Massachusetts

Here is some data about alcohol and drug abuse in Lowell and Middlesex County:^2,3,4,5,6

In 2021, 708 emergency medical service incidents involved opioid use.

There were between 501-1000 calls to the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline for methamphetamine use in Middlesex County.

Opioid-related deaths increased in Lowell from 2020 to 2021.

Fentanyl is the primary opioid involved in overdose deaths.

• In 2019, 23% of adults in Middlesex County reported binge or heavy drinking.
• There were 48 motor vehicle deaths involving alcohol in Middlesex County in 2020.

The cost of rehab shouldn’t be a factor that causes you to decide to put off treatment or therapy. Low-cost and free-quality rehab programs are available.

Charitable Organizations

Some organizations provide rehab for free or a low cost to those in need. These organizations usually operate as charities, receiving funding from monthly donors and contributors. To enter into one of these rehabs, you may have to fill out an application process and prove that you have low income. The Salvation Army is one charitable organization that offers free rehab.

State-Funded Rehab Centers

State-funded rehab programs receive money from the state of Massachusetts to provide rehab at low or no cost to those with a low income and no insurance. State-funded rehabs may also require an application process to be admitted.

Rehab Scholarships

Rehab scholarships are a special type of financial award granted by the rehab center itself for you to attend treatment. Many rehab centers set aside a certain amount of funding to be able to provide treatment to those who can’t afford it. To learn more about a rehab scholarship, you have to contact your rehab of choice for more information.

Here are some free and low-cost rehab centers near Lowell:

• Lahey Health Behavioral Services Hart House Program
• Lahey Health Behavioral Services Transitional Support Services
• SMOC Serenity House

Although this rehab location is farther from Lowell, The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Sangus is a mother option for free rehab.

Private Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid

Use Your Health Insurance to Fund Rehab

If you are unable to attend a state-funded or free rehab, you may be able to pay for rehab using your private insurance. Private health insurance like Aetna and United Healthcare is required by law to cover some or all of the costs of drug and alcohol rehab. Checking with your insurance provider before attending a specific rehab is a good way to ensure that you have no unexpected costs.

Perhaps you don’t have private health insurance. If not, you may have or qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Both of these options can help make the cost of getting the quality care you need more affordable.

Use Medicaid or Medicare to Cover Addiction Treatment

Medicare is a program paid for by the federal government that offers health coverage to individuals who are 65 years old or older. Be mindful that Medicare usually only pays for drug and alcohol treatment through licensed rehab centers.

Medicare pays for a range of treatments. These include:⁷

• Inpatient rehab
• Prescription medication given out during rehab
• Outpatient rehab services
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Hospital stays due to alcohol and drug abuse
• Follow-up visits for substance abuse
• Resources to educate you about substance abuse

Medicaid is a state- and federally funded program that provides health coverage to families and single individuals who are classified as low income.

Just like Medicare, Medicaid covers alcohol and drug rehab. Treatments that Medicaid pays for includes:⁸

• Preventative services
• Inpatient rehab short-term and long-term
• Detox
• Transitional support services
• Outpatient rehab
• Community support services
• Acupuncture
• Medications like methadone and buprenorphine

Medicare and Medicaid can help to pay for the costs of rehab so that you get the quality care you need to more toward long-term recovery.

1. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022). Number of Opioid Related Deaths, All- Intents by City/Town 2015-2021.
2. Massachusetts Department Public Health. (2022). MA Opioid-Related EMS Incidents 2013-2021.
3. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2021). Methamphetamine Use Commission Overview of Methamphetamine and Stimulant Use in Massachusetts.
4. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022). Massachusetts Rate of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths Increased 8.8 Percent in 2021 Compared to 2020.
5. University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2019). Health Factors: Excessive Drinking Massachusetts Summary Information.
6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Persons Killed by State-Massachusetts.
7. Center for Medicare Advocacy. (2022). Medicare Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
8. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (2022). Substance Addiction Services Descriptions.