There are more and more people struggling with various forms of addiction right across the UK, but one thing that is often stopping people getting help is the cost of receiving treatment. Or at least they think it is.
Ask the man in the street, “how much does rehab cost in the UK?” and you’ll get an answer that is probably in the thousands of pounds. And while that’s strictly true, it’s not entirely true and there are so many types of service and options for people who may not believe they can afford rehab.
So, if you are struggling with a form of addiction but don’t believe the help is there for you, here are the options you have for affording the cost of rehab and getting your life back on track…
NHS-Funded Rehab
The NHS can actually provide rehabilitation services, although they can be more difficult to get onto, waiting lists can be long and services aren’t as intensive as private treatment. However, they are there and they have helped thousands of people in the past.
Access to NHS-funded rehab will start by visiting your GP, who will then refer you to the local drug and alcohol service. Treatment usually is based upon outpatient services, with people attending therapy and support groups as part of a routine while still living at home.
Treatment patients will receive include counselling, CBT and detoxification or a combination of things depending on what is needed for the patient.
Private Rehab Costs
Private rehab is the much more effective choice for people wanting to get their health back on track and enter recovery. Although this is the more traditional form where people do believe it to be expensive. It does, of course, come with a price tag as you may be living on-site for around a month, with meals provided and varying types of therapy and support. So, it makes sense that it will cost more.
That said, it’s a more immersive environment, away from triggers, and people can fully focus on their recovery. They can expect to do so for anywhere between £4,000 up to £30,000 in some of the higher tier rehab centres. These offer a wealth of holistic treatments from yoga to acupuncture and various therapies to suit a person’s needs, including CBT, music therapy, art therapy and more.
Of course, then it comes to affording them. While residents can pay up front, there are also options for getting help through a private rehab that you may not have known about. So if you are struggling, it’s well worth considering the following…
Financing Options
If private rehab seems out of reach financially, there are still ways to make it more affordable. Some rehabilitation centres offer payment plans or financial assistance to help spread the cost of treatment over several months or even years. Additionally, some health insurance policies may cover part of the cost of rehab, particularly if addiction treatment is seen as medically necessary. It’s important to check with your insurer to understand what is and isn’t covered under your plan.
Crowdfunding is another route that some individuals have successfully pursued to help fund their rehabilitation. Platforms such as GoFundMe have been used to raise money from friends, family, and community members to support the cost of treatment.
Charity and Low-Cost Rehab Options
For those who cannot afford private rehab but need more intensive support than the NHS offers, there are a number of charity-run rehabilitation centres across the UK. Organisations such as Turning Point and The Salvation Army run residential rehab programmes that are either free or come at a low cost. These centres often operate on a not-for-profit basis and provide comprehensive support, though the facilities may be more basic compared to private alternatives.
While charity rehab programmes can be life-changing, demand is high, and waiting lists are common. However, if cost is a significant barrier, exploring these options can be a worthwhile avenue.
If you do have a problem with a substance, don’t let the cost of rehab be the barrier holding you back. There are options to get help funding the costs, as well as various options for splitting them to make it more manageable. It’ll not only save you money in the long run, but could save your life too.
