Addictions and disorders are treated at rehab centers across the country. Hundreds of professionals are standing by to assist you in conquering whatever holds you down. But treatment centers are not cheap—anywhere from several thousand dollars to $50,000 for a 30-day stay.

Fortunately, the U.S. has a number of free rehab programs to help you get clean whether it's a support group or state program. We'll show you a handful of options. If you can afford to try these free programs, give one a shot.

The FREE Rehabilitation Programs

Anonymous groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) are fellowships who "share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction."

The backbone of anonymous groups is the 12 steps. By following the 12 steps, you are supposed to change your behavior and perception and ultimately get your life back in balance through a higher power.

Meetings are free. You don't even have to say your name. And no records are kept.

SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training) relies on a "self-empowerment and self-reliance" model of abstinence and rehabilitation for alcoholics, drug addicts, compulsive gamblers and others with addictions to activities.

In addition, SMART

  • Encourages people "to recover and live satisfying lives"
  • Teaches ways of "self-directed change"
  • Has educational and open discussion meetings
  • "Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments"
  • "Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves"

In addition to face-to-face meetings, SMART offers online support, 24/7 chat, online message boards and other resources. 

Rational Recovery is a recovery program that "places you in complete control over the decision to drink or use drugs." The program was started by Jack Trimpey, a social worker and recovering alcoholic.

The program's foundation is AVRT—Addictive Voice Recognition Technique—that says "brain chemistry, genetics, and personal 'issues' are irrelevant to addiction and recovery. You drink because you love to drink."

The Crash Course on AVRT is 28 flash cards (online) that the site claims has helped thousands "take back their lives from addiction,"

HAMS  (Harm reduction, Abstinence and Moderation) is peer-led and free, is a "support and informational group for anyone who wants to change their drinking habits for the better." 

The HAMS backbone is its "17 Elements", which includes steps such as:

  • Do a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of your drinking
  • Choose a drinking goal—safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting
  • Learn about risk ranking and rank your risks
  • Learn to have fun without booze
  • Learn to believe in yourself

HAMS is based out of New York City and that's where it's face-to-face meetings are held. However, they have an email group, chat room, and plenty of resources for those looking to quit.

Moderation Management (MM) "is a behavioral change program and national support group network for people concerned about their drinking." The goal of MM is to get people to choose a path of either moderation or abstinence.

MM treats alcoholism as a learned behavior rather than a disease. And they say that a "reasonable early option for problem drinkers is moderation" as opposed to abstinence.

Their website provides a directory of face-to-face meeting locations, a chat group, and online community.  

LifeRing Recovery is a network of support groups "for people who want to live free of alcohol and other addictive drugs.  The group's approach is their "Three-S" philosophy for Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.

Sobriety means complete abstinence. Secularity means that all religious beliefs are welcome but kept private at meetings. And self-help means that one's own "motivation and effort" is the key to recovery.

Meetings take place across the country. Additionally, the LifeRing website has a chat room, email group, social network and dozens of other resources related to addiction.

The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) is an in-residence rehab program where group and individual counseling, life skills training and spiritual direction is provided to those that qualify. A six-month commitment is required.

Publically Funded Options
Many state agencies have publically funded treatment options. For example, Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services has several programs for funding.

ADATSA (Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act) services provide six months of treatment in a 24-month period for:

  • Intensive inpatient treatment
  • Long-term care residential treatment
  • Recovery house treatment
  • Outpatient treatment

To be eligible, you must be a resident of the state, meet income requirements, and be assessed as drug or alcohol dependent.

Summary
This is just a sampling of the free rehab programs available around the U.S. Go to your state's official website and search for addiction treatment programs. Read more on anonymous groups and 12-step programs. Another important topic within addiction is dual diagnosis.