Sliding scale drug treatment

Drug addiction treatment can help people live a clean and sober life. Unfortunately, too many individuals believe that they are unable to pay for treatment. Sliding scale drug treatment, however, makes drug treatment more affordable and accessible to those that need it. More here on how to find sliding scale drug treatment.

Lee Weber

Author of "The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions"

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The sliding scale payment method is often used by alcohol and drug treatment facilities to help reduce the cost of treatment. In the end, you’ll typically only be charged a fee that you can reasonably afford. So how does it work? We review here and invite your questions about finding sliding scale drug treatment at the end.

What is the sliding scale payment method?

Sliding scale fees are variable fees that are based primarily on a person’s financial situation. When being treated by a sliding scale drug treatment facility, your fees will primarily be determined by your income. Other considerations may include the number of people in your household as well as any other financial obligations you may have.

How to find sliding scale drug treatment

1. Ask your family doctor. Most likely, there is a sliding scale drug treatment facility in your area. Your doctor will usually be able to give you a referral to a drug treatment facility that has sliding scale fees.

2. Research on the internet. A list of sliding scale drug treatment facilities can also be obtained from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. Using the treatment facility locator, enter your location information and click on “Select Services”. Check the box for facilities offering sliding scale fees and click search.

3. Dig through the Yellow Pages. Once you have a list of drug treatment centers in your area, you can then start contacting them. Ask them about their sliding scale fees, and be prepared to provide information about your income, household, and expenses.