Health
Substance Use Treatment
Substance use programs help people reduce or stop using alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, or other substances. Options range from drop-in counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to residential detox and long-term rehab — and many are free or covered by Medicaid.
What to expect
What happens when you ask for this kind of help
Every program is different, but here is what most people experience when they reach out for substance use treatment help.
- Many programs are fully free or covered by Medicaid/state insurance. Ask about funding when you call.
- Medication-assisted treatment (buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use) is available at clinics without a referral in most states.
- Residential programs often have waiting lists — ask about the wait time and whether you can start outpatient services immediately.
- You don't have to want to quit entirely to access services. Harm reduction programs meet you where you are.
- Staff will not turn you away for being under the influence at intake. They are there to help, not judge.
Related help
Other types of help that often go together
Most people need more than one kind of support. These categories are often connected to substance use treatment.
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