I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.

What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?

MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.

Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?

Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.

How long is treatment?

Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.

Substance Abuse in North Dakota

11 verified resources.

About Substance Abuse for Fathers

Substance abuse treatment in the US is delivered through state-licensed treatment providers, nonprofit recovery programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery), hospital-based detox, methadone clinics, and sober living houses. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment 24/7. Most states fund a network of publicly-supported treatment centers that accept uninsured and Medicaid clients; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a national treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Fathers dealing with substance issues during custody disputes often need documented treatment compliance — court-ordered programs exist for this specific purpose. Recovery support includes peer recovery specialists, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and drug courts. This directory pulls together the state's single state agency for SUD, treatment finders, mutual aid meetings, and MAT providers.

Substance Abuse in North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

11 Resources

1. North Dakota Behavioral Health Division — Substance Abuse — Free

State agency coordinating addiction treatment, prevention, recovery support, and medication-assisted treatment across North Dakota. The Bismarck office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at 600 E Boulevard. Call (701) 328-8920 to ask about treatment vouchers, licensed providers, and prevention resources. Many services are free or low-cost for eligible fathers. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, and a short history of prior treatment.

(701) 328-8920 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. SAMHSA National Helpline — Free

Free confidential 24/7 treatment-referral service for North Dakota individuals and families facing substance-use and co-occurring mental-health disorders. Call (800) 662-4357 any time in English or Spanish to locate nearby licensed providers. The service does not require insurance. Useful for fathers unsure where to start. Have your ZIP code, a brief description of the substance and frequency, and insurance status if any ready when you call.

(800) 662-4357 · National service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Heartview Foundation — Paid

Residential, outpatient, and medication-assisted addiction treatment for adults in Bismarck, including programs that welcome fathers who are rebuilding custody rights. The E Broadway Avenue facility is staffed 24/7 for inpatient care; outpatient hours vary. Call (701) 222-0386 for admissions screening. Insurance, Medicaid, and sliding-scale rates are accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a short list of current medications.

(701) 222-0386 · 101 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Prairie St. John's — Paid

Inpatient and outpatient treatment for addiction, mental health, and co-occurring disorders serving adults and adolescents in Fargo and surrounding regions. The 4th Street S facility is staffed 24/7 for acute admissions; outpatient clinics have day and evening hours. Call (701) 476-7200 for assessment. Insurance, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and any current medication list to intake.

(701) 476-7200 · 510 4th St S, Fargo, ND 58103 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Share House — Fargo — Paid

Residential substance-abuse treatment center for men in Fargo offering structured programming, peer recovery, and transitional living to support long-term sobriety and reunification with children. Admissions line staffed 24/7 at (701) 282-6561. Insurance, Medicaid, and sliding-scale rates may be accepted. Useful for fathers returning from incarceration. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any current medication list.

(701) 282-6561 · 4227 9th Ave SW, Fargo, ND 58103 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. ND AA Meetings — Free

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held throughout North Dakota in urban centers, rural towns, and online formats, offering free peer support for fathers working on sobriety. Find current meeting times at aa.org. Meetings run mornings, evenings, and weekends. Most are open to newcomers and do not require sign-up. Just show up with an open mind. No ID required. A short list of your substance history is optional and only shared if you choose.

Multiple locations statewide · Varies by meeting · Visit Website

7. Narcotics Anonymous — North Dakota — Free

Narcotics Anonymous meetings and 12-step recovery support held across North Dakota for anyone seeking freedom from addiction to drugs. Find current meeting times and locations at na.org, including in-person and virtual options for fathers in rural counties. Meetings are free, confidential, and open. No ID required; no appointment required. Come ready to listen, and share only if you choose. Many groups welcome newcomers warmly.

Multiple locations statewide · Varies · Visit Website

8. Oxford House North Dakota — Paid

Self-supporting, self-run sober-living homes across North Dakota offering structured peer recovery housing for adults in early sobriety, including fathers working toward reunification. Homes operate 24/7 and residents pay weekly share-of-rent fees. Call (701) 232-6536 or visit oxfordhouse.org for current vacancies. Bring photo ID, proof of recent clean time, and references. Expect a house interview and majority-vote acceptance.

(701) 232-6536 · Multiple locations statewide · 24/7 residences · Visit Website

9. SMART Recovery — North Dakota — Free

Science-based addiction recovery support groups meeting throughout North Dakota using cognitive-behavioral and motivational tools as an alternative to 12-step programs. Find meetings at smartrecovery.org including in-person and online options useful for fathers with rural addresses or odd schedules. Meetings are free and confidential. No ID or appointment required. Download the handbook in advance if you want to prepare for a first session.

Multiple locations · Varies by meeting · Visit Website

10. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation — ND Resources — Paid

National addiction treatment network offering inpatient and outpatient care plus online counseling and family programs accessible to North Dakota residents. Admissions are staffed 24/7 at (800) 257-7810. Insurance, private pay, and some scholarships are accepted. Useful for fathers seeking out-of-state residential options or family-support curriculum. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a short history of prior treatment when enrolling.

(800) 257-7810 · National resource · 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Faces & Voices of Recovery — ND — Free

National advocacy network supporting people in recovery across North Dakota through peer-recovery organizations, policy advocacy, and storytelling campaigns to reduce stigma. The headquarters is reachable Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at (202) 737-0690. Visit facesandvoicesofrecovery.org to find local recovery community organizations. Services are free for fathers seeking connection. Have your ZIP code and interests ready when you call.

(202) 737-0690 · National resource with ND chapters · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Substance Abuse — Common Questions

I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?: Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.
What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?: MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.
Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?: Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.
How long is treatment?: Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.