When you’re struggling with addiction and looking to attend rehab, the first thing you may need to consider is cost. Many health insurance companies cover some or all of inpatient and outpatient rehab costs, so the first step is usually giving your provider a call.

However, having to pay for rehab out of your own pocket can be daunting despite its utmost importance. Living a sober life allows you to experience genuine peace and joy, which you may have been missing for a while. To get you on the road to recovery, consider these 5 tips to help you pay for your rehab stay.

1. Withdraw funds from your 401K.

If you have a 401K with your employer, you can always withdraw a portion out to pay for your rehab stay. You may have to pay a small early withdrawal fee, but it may be worth it for the professional help you need. Once you are sober and feeling strong again, you can always put extra money into your 401K regularly in order to pay back what you have taken out. After all, if you don’t prioritize your health and recovery now, you may not be able to even enjoy your retirement funds down the road.

2. Look for low cost rehabs.

There are some quality low cost rehab programs available but you may have to do some research to find them. Some rehabs offer payment assistance plans for those who are having a tough time coming up with the money. Just give them a call and ask if they have any assistance available or perhaps a sliding-scale fee.

3. Ask family or friends for a loan.

If you have a family member or friend that you feel comfortable asking for a loan, you can always go that route. It may feel a bit awkward asking, but you getting to rehab can drastically turn your life around, so it’s worth it. You can work out a repayment arrangement and do your best to get it paid back as soon as possible once you’re out of rehab.

4. Find a state-funded rehab center.

There are many states that offer tax-supported inpatient and outpatient rehab services for free. You may be able to find detox centers, inpatient long-term rehabs and outpatient counseling sessions at no charge to you. While you might have to travel to a specific city or county in your state, it is certainly worth the travel if it’s free. Be sure to inquire as to whether there is a waiting list and, if so, how long until you can get in. The waiting lists for these particular treatment centers can sometimes be long.

5. Sell some of your items.

If you have some items around your home and garage that you can get some decent money for, you may consider selling them. For instance, if you don’t ride that jet ski anymore, it may be time for you to get rid of it. If you’ve got some sort of collection, you may want to sell some or all of the items. Have a huge yard sale and designate the earnings for your rehab stay. Then, set aside as much money as you can each payday so that you can build up your savings. It may be tough to think about spending money for rehab, but the good that comes out of finally getting sober is priceless. Besides, drugs and alcohol are not cheap and if you stop purchasing it, you can sock that money away, too.

Attending rehab is an investment, but it’s one with an incredible return. As you navigate the road to recovery, you will find that rehab will allow you to take a break from the everyday grind, detox the physical and proverbial toxins associated with substance abuse and provide some clarity as you find yourself surrounded by counselors and people you can actually relate to. For many recovering addicts, it is this experience that makes all the difference in successfully repurposing their lives into one that they truly love: sober and free.

If you or someone you know is seeking help with addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today.