How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Cost?

Many people don’t seek treatment for substance use issues because they’re worried about the cost or don’t think they can afford it. While it’s true that some rehab facilities cost thousands of dollars a day, others are much more affordable. No matter what your budget allows, there is a rehab facility for you.

The cost of addiction treatment varies depending on the facility and level of care, but the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports an average cost of drug rehabilitation of $13,475. Having insurance or a low income can significantly decrease the price of rehab. The first step is to understand the factors impacting the cost of treatment and why your health and recovery are worth it.

The type of addiction treatment offered by the rehab facility affects the total cost of rehab. In general, the higher the level of care, the higher the overall cost. The estimates below are based on data provided by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

Detox

The cost of medically supervised detox ranges from $250 to $800 per day, with a minimum stay of 7 days. That comes out to a total of $1,750 to $5,600. The exact cost of detox depends on whether it’s part of a larger inpatient program and what substance use disorder is being treated. 

The detox process for some substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can include more significant side effects, which may require more monitoring, a higher level of medical care and more medications to ease symptoms. All of this can contribute to a higher price tag.  

Inpatient and Residential Rehab

Inpatient rehab takes place in a hospital or other high-level medical facility. Residential rehabs are similar in that you live in the center during treatment, but they aren’t usually part of a hospital or medical system. 

The cost of inpatient drug and alcohol treatment varies widely, and a 30-day program can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Private facilities are generally more expensive, and some programs may charge a separate admissions fee, which can add a few thousand dollars to the overall price.

Residential treatment costs also vary considerably, but they are more closely tied to the facility’s location and amenities. The average cost of residential rehab is $42,500, but luxury facilities can more than double this number, especially for a long-term stay.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient programs for mild to moderate substance use disorders are generally much cheaper than inpatient rehabs. The average cost of a 30-day outpatient rehab stay is $5,700. Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are slightly more expensive, costing $12,000 and $17,250 on average, respectively.

Extremely popular locations or those in high-cost-of-living areas, such as California or the New England states, are at the higher end of the spectrum. The total cost of outpatient rehab depends heavily on how often you’re at the treatment center, how long the program lasts and what amenities are available.

Substance use treatment is a highly individualized process. What’s a critical part of one person’s treatment plan may not be necessary for someone else, and these variables can significantly affect the overall cost of rehab. The level of care and treatment modalities the facility provides, the amenities it offers and whether the care plan includes medication all impact pricing.

Level of Care

Higher levels of care for substance use treatment generally cost more. Inpatient and residential facilities are usually the most expensive because they cover housing, utilities and meals and have more intensive treatment methods. The cost also depends on the length of the program, the location and whether an initial detox phase is required. 

For example, alcohol and heroin absolutely require a medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, and the overall rehabilitation program may be longer. Someone who is addicted to cocaine, which has a less severe withdrawal process, may be able to move into treatment more quickly. 

Treatments Offered

Everyone has unique needs when they come into rehab. Some may need a longer detox phase and ongoing medication-assisted treatment. Others may be more focused on identifying triggers and trauma-focused therapy. Rehabs that have a larger staff or advanced clinicians, such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychiatrist or medical doctor, on-site may also be more expensive.

Facility Amenities

The level of amenities offered at a rehab facility is one of the main factors in its cost. The more amenities the facility offers or the more luxurious these amenities are, the more treatment usually costs.

Traditional outpatient centers may offer very few amenities and operate more like a therapy office. Common amenities at residential rehabs include exercise facilities, walking trails, relaxing outdoor spaces and scheduled activities. 

Luxury rehabs are generally the most expensive type of drug and alcohol treatment because they offer resort-like amenities and perks, such as massages, acupuncture, swimming pools, tennis courts and large private rooms or suites. These rehabs are often frequented by celebrities, politicians and other high-profile professionals because of the enhanced privacy and security measures. 

While amenities can be a nice perk, you don’t need to attend a luxury program to get quality substance use treatment. Many facilities offer comfortable care at affordable prices.

Necessary Medications

If medication-assisted treatment is part of your care plan or you have a co-occurring mental health condition that requires medication, this could increase the overall price of rehab. For example, someone who misuses heroin may require long-term methadone treatment, which costs around $4,700 per year on average.

In some cases, medications are covered by a different part of your insurance policy than substance use treatment. The facility or your insurance provider can explain how this coverage works and how it may impact the price of care.

If you’re looking at these numbers and wondering how it’s possible to afford drug and alcohol rehab treatment, you’re not alone. In many cases, insurance covers some or all of the cost of treatment, dramatically lowering your out-of-pocket costs. BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna and Cigna all cover substance abuse and addiction treatment, but pricing varies by policy and the rehab’s network status.

Those who don’t have insurance may still be able to receive the help they need through sliding-scale fees, payment plans, scholarships and third-party financing. These options are generally income-based, which can help lower-income individuals receive assistance. Some individuals may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare coverage.

Non-profit and state-funded rehab facilities may also be an option. These often cost much less than private treatment centers, and some may offer free rehab programs. The Salvation Army is one well-known example that provides free rehab for those in need. However, there is a waiting list, and you must meet the financial qualifications.

If you need help with your substance use, the price of rehab shouldn’t be an obstacle. Treatment can give you the tools you need to get your life back on track, which often translates into pursuing higher education or getting a better job and can mean more money back in your pocket. You’ll also be saving the money you normally would have spent on substances or behavioral addictions like gambling or shopping.

When it comes to your health, happiness and overall well-being, there’s no way to put a price on a better quality of life. If you need help understanding the cost of treatment at a particular facility or what your insurance covers, call the free, confidential helpline at RehabNet for more information.