Expert Insights
Naloxone (aka Narcan), a fentanyl-reversing drug, is now available without a prescription. Since young adults are very susceptible to drug experimentation and drug use, college kids should be informed about this potentially life-saving product.
One new Texas nonprofit, LIVEGY, is doing just that. They’re also making access to naloxone easier for students. LIVEGY provides universities, colleges, fraternities, and sororities wall fixtures holding naloxone packets, that are then mounted in the hallways. Such a great idea!
~ Rita Milios
How to Pay for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Abilene
Low-Cost Options
There are several ways to fund rehab, such as picking a low-cost program, finding a treatment center that offers payment plans or loans, and crowdfunding.
There are agencies devoted to offering free and low-cost services for people in need. Places such as the WTCR Methadone Clinic of Abilene offer methadone maintenance programs and accept Medicare and Medicaid for the cost of care. You can also look to the Salvation Army Abilene Corps, which may be able to offer low-cost services.
Using Medicaid, Medicare, or Private Insurance
If you’re low-income, disabled, or over 65, you could qualify for Medicare or Medicaid to pay for care. These programs have strict requirements, such as annual income and age.
Private insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Superior HealthPlan, are legally required to pay for the cost of participating in a Texas program under federal Mental Health and Substance Abuse Equity laws.
Cost Varies According to the Level of Care
Your costs will be largely based on the type of rehabilitation center. There are two main types of programs, inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient rehab is the most comprehensive form of addiction care available. It provides a structured environment and rigid daily schedule to help you learn positive habits to replace your negative ones and focus on healing. In addition, inpatient programs usually have an alumni program for graduates to continue with aftercare services, including ongoing therapy and support groups.
A step down from inpatient is a partial hospitalization program (PHP), which is an intensive day treatment option. These programs offer daily medical supervision and treatment in an accredited addiction treatment center and are an excellent low-cost alternative to inpatient rehab.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer three to five treatments per week, depending on the facility you choose. Therapies vary at each center, but you can expect to participate in individual and group therapy as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as needed.
Standard outpatient programs (SOPs) are similar to IOPs but with a once- or twice-weekly schedule. SOPs tend to require participants also attend a community-based support group, such as a local AA or NA meeting, or SMART Recovery group.
Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Abilene
If you don’t have access to health insurance, are underinsured, or are low-income, you could qualify for care at free Abilene drug rehabs or in low-cost programs. Agencies such as Texas Health and Human Services can offer assessments, screening, and referrals to nearby low-cost centers.
If you’re low-income, you could qualify for Medicaid, a state-funded health insurance program. Medicaid covers many services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual and group therapy, and co-occurring mental health disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) therapy. There are two state-funded drug and alcohol rehab centers in Abilene, both outpatient facilities. Abilene also has a state-funded center for those participating in court-mandated programs, with room for 60 participants.
Resources
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). CDC Wonder.
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Substance Use Service Locations.
- Community Supervision and Corrections Department, Taylor, Callahan & Coleman Counties. (2022). Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF).
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). U.S. County Opioid Dispensing Rates, 2019.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (June 2021). Treatment Data Set (TEDS) 2019.