The cost of addiction treatment varies from facility to facility. While there are some rehab facilities that cost thousands of dollars a day, there are also facilities that are way more affordable. No matter what your budget allows, there is a rehab facility for you.
How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Cost?
Published: August 15, 2023
Insurance and Rehab
Luckily, most peoples’ insurance will cover some or all of the cost of treatment. Of course, not everyone has insurance, but there are still ways for them to receive the help they need. Some rehab facilities offer a sliding scale fee or a payment plan. These options will allow those with a lower income to also receive help. BCBS, United Healthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Cigna all have good policies for addicted invididuals seeking help for substance abuse addiction.
Non-Profit Rehabs
Fortunately, there are a lot of non-profit and state-funded rehab facilities that make the cost of rehab much more affordable, or even free. Some people meet the requirements for low-income rehab, which are usually non-profit organizations. The Salvation Army is a very well-known non-profit that provides free rehab for those in need. However, there is a waiting list, and you must qualify financially.
Factors in Rehab Cost
There are several factors that affect the cost of rehab. Some of those factors include:
- Type of center: Depending on if you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, the cost of rehab can vary quite a bit. Obviously, inpatient treatment will be much more expensive than outpatient. This is because inpatient rehabs offer housing and much more intensive treatment methods. The cost also depends on the length of the program and the location.
- Treatments offered: Some people who enter rehab may not need as much medical attention as someone else entering rehab. In addition, other addictions can require more medical care than others. Someone who is addicted to cocaine, which has a less severe withdrawal process, may not require a medical detox. On the other hand, alcohol and heroin absolutely DO require a medical detox and the rehabilitation program overall may be longer.
- The Amenities: Some rehabs do not just solely offer medical treatment, lodging, and meals. There are “luxury” rehabs that offer expensive perks such as massages, acupuncture, swimming pools, tennis courts, and large and luxurious rooms. These luxury rehabs are usually frequented by the rich and famous because of the lavish lifestyle included with the rehab process. However, most rehabs do not cost tens of thousands of dollars per month. Most are actually quite affordable and are very nice facilities.
Types of Addiction Treatment and Costs
Obviously, different addictions will require different rehab treatments. The type of treatment offered by the rehab facility affects the total cost of getting sober. Below are estimates that are based on costs reported by various treatment centers:
- Detox: Outpatient detox ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 in total. Most rehab facilities state that detox is included in the cost of the program. The exact cost of detox depends on whether it is part of an inpatient program and the type of addiction that is being treated. Some substances come with dangerous side effects when detoxing, and require a lot more monitoring, and therefore a higher price tag.
- Inpatient Rehab: Some inpatient rehabs may cost about $6,000 for a 30-day program. Other well-known centers can cost up to $20,000 for a 30-day program. If you require a 60 or 90-day program for rehab, the average cost could be somewhere between $12,000 and $60,000.
- Outpatient Rehab: As mentioned before, outpatient programs for mild to moderate addictions are much cheaper than inpatient rehab. Some cost $5,000 for a three-month program. Most popular locations, such as Hazelden Betty Ford, can cost around $10,000. The amount of money depends on how often the individual visits the treatment center, and for how long.
- Medications: The type of treatment and medications needed also is a huge factor in how much rehab can be. Some people don’t need medication for their addiction. Some, such as heroin users, can require year-long methadone treatment that can cost up to $4,700.
Investing in Rehab
Even though rehab may be an unwanted expense that could cause debt, it really is a necessary investment. If you need help with your addiction, the price of rehab should not be a deterring factor. Getting sober gives people the tools they need to get their lives back on track. In addition, recovered addicts are able to save money since they will no longer need to spend their money on their addiction.
Why Rehab is Worth the Cost
Can you really put a price on your life? Even if you are only thinking about the money aspect of rehab, completing treatment is absolutely worth the investment. If you spend $30,000 a year on your addiction, you could be spending that for decades, since addiction doesn’t just go away.
That’s right there is $300,000. Don’t you think paying $5,000 for rehab is worth it now? And obviously, rehab pays off in other ways, as well. Your quality of life will greatly improve, and rehab will ensure that you give yourself the best chance at staying happy and healthy.