I Can’t Afford to Go to Rehab

Why cost becomes the barrier in addiction treatment

For many people, the idea of rehab immediately brings one picture to mind: private residential treatment, paid for out of pocket. When that image sets in, the conclusion often follows quickly: I can’t afford rehab.

Residential rehab can be expensive, and for many families, the figures involved feel completely out of reach. But what’s important to pause on here is what people usually mean when they say they “can’t afford rehab”. In most cases, they’re not saying they can’t access help at all; they’re saying they can’t access one specific version of it.

In the UK, drug and alcohol treatment is not built around private rehab alone, and most support is delivered through publicly funded and charitable services.

That said, access can vary due to the sheer demand and staffing pressures that can all affect how quickly certain types of support are offered. This is often where people feel stuck, unsure whether to wait or to push for something more intensive. At that point, cost starts to feel like a wall rather than a practical consideration.

But there are more options out there than you may initially think, which we’ll explore more in the next sections.

Free and low-cost rehab routes

In the UK, treatment is delivered through a mix of public services, charities and community-led support. These routes are free at the point of use and, for many people, provide everything needed to begin and sustain recovery. Understanding what’s available can make the idea of rehab feel far less daunting and far more accessible.

Below is a summary of the main free and low-cost options people commonly use.

It’s worth remembering that these routes are not fixed or separate, and many people move between them over time. What matters most is finding a starting point that feels manageable rather than trying to choose the “right” option straight away.

The downside to free or low-cost addiction treatment

Free and publicly funded services provide essential, life-saving addiction treatment, but it’s not without its flaws. Below, we explore the difficulties that are experienced by many entering this way of obtaining treatment.

Waiting times

Access to community-based support can be relatively quick, but more intensive options may involve delays. Residential placements are limited, and staffing pressures or demand can affect how long someone waits. When addiction support is needed urgently, this gap can feel particularly difficult and cause worrying situations.

Choice of location

Treatment placements are usually offered based on availability rather than preference. This can mean travelling further from home or attending a programme with a narrower focus. Location can influence how effective addiction treatment is delivered, especially if you have to travel far to receive it.

Comfort and privacy

Residential settings typically involve shared accommodation and structured daily routines. Privacy can be limited, and rules on aspects such as phone use or visits are common. This setup can feel very different from private rehab, where comfort and personal space are usually higher priorities.

Level of support

Community drug and alcohol treatment can provide strong clinical and emotional support but it may not offer the same intensity found in privately funded settings. Appointments may require independent travel and ongoing support for addiction can depend on what is available locally.

Preparation and commitment

Entering addiction treatment involves practical planning. This may include organising transport and managing responsibilities at home. Compared with private rehab, there is often less hands-on coordination, which means a greater level of personal organisation is needed to stay engaged with addiction recovery.

What to do if you need urgent substance or mental health help now

If things feel urgent, whether it’s surrounding drug or alcohol usage or even your current mental health state, it’s important to focus on safety and immediate support. Below are some options available for immediate support.

• Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger: If someone is at risk of harm, has taken substances and become unwell or the situation feels unsafe, emergency services are the right response. Calling 999 can bring immediate medical support and stabilise the situation.
• Call a confidential helpline for immediate support: If you need to speak to someone right now, confidential helplines are available and free to use. Samaritans, for emotional distress or crisis, has a new direct support line in the UK on 116 123, available 24/7. These lines are there to listen and help you get through the next few hours safely.
• Speak to NHS services if it’s urgent but not an emergency: If local services are closed and the situation can’t wait, NHS 111 can advise on what to do next and where to seek urgent help.
• Attend a mutual-aid meeting today: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery run online and in-person meetings every day. Joining a meeting can provide immediate human connection when things feel overwhelming.

What are the next steps for addiction treatment?

If the situation is not urgent, the next step does not have to be making a decision. It can simply be talking it through with someone who understands addiction treatment and the systems around it.

At Recovery.org, we understand how overwhelming all of this information can feel, especially when you’re trying to work out what applies to you or someone you care about. Many people reach this point unsure where to start or whether they’re even asking the right questions.

By contacting us, you can talk things through with a caring, experienced team that understands addiction treatment and the different routes available. We’ll help you make sense of your options and talk honestly about timing and support levels without any form of pressure.