How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on

In order to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction, it is important that you get the specialized care that you need, but it does come at a cost much like any other medical facility.

How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?

The addiction epidemic in the United States is claiming thousands of people each year, and this makes some wonder why people don’t get help. One of the main reasons people are reluctant to get help is the cost of a drug and alcohol rehab program.

How much does drug rehab cost, and what can you do to potentially lower that cost and get the help that you need?

First, it’s important to understand why many people can’t afford addiction treatment costs. In active addiction, addiction becomes the top priority. The drugs or the alcohol come before keeping a job and providing for a family.

Unfortunately, this leads to many people not having much money in savings, and it can also be why people lose their health insurance if they lose their job.

Without money and without insurance, it can be extremely difficult to figure out a way to afford treatment. If you have insurance, you’re in a much better position.

How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost With Insurance?

For many years, people did not see addiction as a disease, mental illness, or medical condition. Because of this, many insurance companies would not cover the cost of drug and alcohol rehab programs.

With the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008, it’s a law that all insurance providers must provide addiction treatment as part of their coverage.

Addiction treatment costs can be extremely high, and although insurance companies must provide coverage, they get to choose who they work with. In most cases, insurance companies are only going to work with evidence-based treatment centers.

These types of facilities use treatment methods scientifically proven to help give people the best chances of long-term recovery. This is great news because it means that if insurance covers your treatment, you can access the best care possible.

When you have treatment costs covered by insurance, there may still be an out-of-pocket expense on your end. All of this depends on the treatment center, your insurance policy, and your finances.

In some cases, you may owe a co-pay for your stay, which can be a couple hundred dollars or even a few thousand dollars. If you have a deductible, you may have to pay a certain amount each year until they take over for the rest of the cost.

In order to find out how much you’ll be paying for rehab, you’ll need to communicate with your insurance company, but one of our treatment specialists can assist you as well.

The Cost Of Detox Programs

One of the most expensive parts of the addiction treatment process is medical detoxification. Detox is one of the most important parts because it’s when you get physically and psychologically stable as the substances leave your system.

During this time, you’re receiving medical care, which can include the care of physicians and nurses. Depending on the detox program, the cost can be anywhere from $250 to $1,000 per day without insurance.

With insurance, detox is often completely covered as it’s a process deemed medically necessary.
Not only will you be receiving treatment from medical professionals, but medical equipment and medications will be used as well, which can incur further costs.

During the detoxification process, there can be many physical side effects. Regardless of the substance you’re detoxing from, there is a risk for your blood pressure and heart rate to get to dangerous levels, so it’s important to monitor them.

In many cases, this is also going to involve the use of medications that can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure while you go through withdrawal.

Certain substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol can have more side effects during withdrawal. If you’re trying to get sober for alcohol or benzodiazepines, you will need to be monitored for potential risk of having seizures, and this may involve anti-seizure medications.

Coming off of these substances can also cause an assortment of psychological problems like anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia. With the help of treatment specialists, you’ll receive medications that can help to minimize these symptoms of withdrawal.

Each prescription medication does come with a price. Depending on your insurance, the cost of medications may be covered, or you may have to pay a copay for each prescription dose.

Residential Addiction Treatment Program Costs

The detoxification process is only the first step in addiction treatment. Many people realize that it’s much easier to get sober than it is to remain in recovery.

In order to maintain your sobriety, it often takes intensive treatment that involves therapy and peer support, and that’s what residential treatment is for.

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab programs when you’re doing residential treatment can vary depending on how long you stay. Without insurance, you might pay upwards of $20,000 or more, but this is because you have care around the clock.

Residential treatment costs vary for those with insurance. The insurance provider may pay a flat rate for residential treatment, such as $5,000, or may pay a daily allowance, such as a few hundred dollars.

Inpatient addiction treatment is costly because of the intensive nature of these programs.

Addicted individuals in these programs receive:

  • medical care
  • psychological care
  • medications
  • therapy
  • recreational activity
  • nutritious meals
  • spiritual guidance (depending on the program)
  • aftercare planning
  • access to ongoing treatment and alumni networking

While costs can mount, insurance may provide a way for individuals to manage the cost of treatment. Those without insurance do have options, including free or low-cost rehab programs or treatment lending.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program Costs

Outpatient treatment is far less expensive than detox or residential treatment. Typically, people transition to outpatient treatment after completing detox and residential treatment.

There are some cases where people have less severe forms of addiction, and they’d benefit from continuing to go to work or school and live at home while they receive treatment.

An intensive outpatient treatment program may be less expensive and can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for a month. Outpatient treatment can be less expensive, but it can still cost thousands of dollars without insurance.

The difference between an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Outpatient Program (OP) is that at an IOP, you’ll receive treatment for most of the day. An outpatient program may only require you to come a few times a week for a few hours.

Outpatient programs vary widely. Some may only be comprised of weekly therapy or counseling sessions.

In these cases, cost may include a copay of around $50 to $100, depending on your insurance plan. These fees may be waived, or some counselors will work on an income-based plan.

Additional Options For Affordable Addiction Treatment

As mentioned earlier, there are many people who want help for their addiction, but their finances may not be the best even if they have insurance.

The good news is that many treatment centers offer a variety of financing options that can help you with your addiction treatment.

When you work with your treatment specialist, you can discuss various payment options. Although treatment can be expensive, it’s important to understand that this is going to save you money for the rest of your life, and may also save your life in the process.

There are different state-funded treatment programs where you don’t have to pay. In some cases, state-funded programs are offered to those who have had trouble with the justice system as a result of their addiction.

While these types of programs don’t cost you anything, it’s important to understand that these programs sometimes have a long waiting list.

No matter what your situation, know that there is hope that you can recover from your addiction. You no longer have to live the way you’re living if you don’t want to, but it all starts by asking for help.

We’re here to help link people in need with treatment centers that can help them overcome their addiction for good. Talk to one of our treatment specialists today so we can assist you in finding the best treatment option for you.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more
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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on
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