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Reviewed by Substance abuse and addiction have a devastating impact, not just on individuals but on entire communities. A survey revealed that 68% of American cities identified substance abuse as the most significant cause of homelessness among single adults, and 12% listed it among the top three causes of family homelessness.
The financial burden of addiction is huge, often driving individuals bankrupt and risking their ability to secure safe housing and stable income. Given these challenges, many people struggling with alcohol and substance abuse may wonder how they can afford the cost of rehabilitation.
While the cost of drug rehab centers can be high, the price tag for recovery shouldn’t be a deterrent. Keep reading to gain detailed insights into the rehabilitation costs and how you can afford your journey to recovery.
Table Of Contents:
Is Rehab Expensive?
The financial aspect of alcohol or drug rehab is a major concern for most. The costs of addiction treatment can indeed be significant, and even the average price of rehab can take a toll on your pocket. Yet, the cost of addiction is far greater than the cost of recovery.
Untreated addiction has a devastating ripple effect, leading to job loss, strained relationships, legal troubles, and, ultimately, a decline in overall health. In fact, drug abuse costs rival those of chronic diseases, with hospitalization emergencies being more prevalent among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) than those without them.
A quick math reveals that someone with an alcohol use disorder who consumes eight beers five days a week at an average cost of $5 per beer would be spending $10,400 on alcohol a year. This significant amount does not account for additional expenses such as medical bills related to alcohol abuse-related diseases such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
How Much Does Rehab Cost on Average?
Drug treatment aims to help individuals stop compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and can take place in various settings, formats, and lengths. Since drug addiction is often chronic with a high potential for relapses, effective treatment usually involves a long-term process with multiple interventions and regular monitoring.
Knowing the factors that affect the costs of treatment is a good drug rehab cost estimator, which includes:
- Addiction history
- The type of drug(s) used
- Insurance coverage
- Facility location
- Type of facility
- Amenities offered
- Length of treatment
- Co-occurring disorders
Treatment ranges from highly intensive to minimally intensive, with more intensive services costing more. However, insurance can cover even the highest levels of care. Highly intensive treatments involve numerous services and 24-hour care from medical professionals and addiction specialists. The following information details the costs associated with different levels of substance abuse treatment and cost adjusted for inflation (2022):
Average Rehab Cost
It is important to note that the average cost of rehabilitation cannot be singled out to one amount due to various factors such as the type of addiction (alcohol or drug), the facility, the location, and the specific services offered. Here’s an overview of the average costs for various rehab programs:
General Outpatient Rehab
General outpatient rehab involves regular therapy sessions and counseling while the patient lives at home. The costs for general outpatient rehab typically range from $1,400 to $10,000 over 30 days, averaging about $5,700 per month.
Intensive Outpatient Care
Intensive outpatient care is a more flexible treatment option that allows individuals to receive comprehensive addiction treatment without staying overnight at a facility. The average cost for intensive outpatient treatment is approximately $4,939. The cost ranges from $1,908 to $7,969 when adjusted for current inflation.
Residential Addiction Treatment
Residential treatment, where patients stay at the facility full-time, typically costs more due to the comprehensive care and housing provided. The average cost for residential addiction treatment is around $42,500 for 30 days.
Publicly Funded Centers
Publicly funded long-term treatment centers offer more affordable options, with costs reaching $8,000 or higher for specialized programs, making them a viable option for those seeking lower-cost care.
For a detailed breakdown, consult the chart below:
| Level of Treatment | Cost Range | Description and What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| DETOX PROGRAMS | ||
| Inpatient Detox | $5,000 โ $12,000 for 30 days | Medical supervision and support in a hospital or residential setting to manage withdrawal symptoms. |
| Outpatient Detox | $1,000 โ $5,000 for the program | Medical supervision at home, allowing them to continue daily activities while detoxing. |
| INPATIENT REHABILITATION | ||
| Short-Term (30 days) | $6,000 โ $20,000 | Intensive residential treatment with medical and psychological support, therapy sessions, and structured programs. |
| Long-Term (60-90 days) | $24,000 โ $60,000 | Extended residential care with comprehensive treatment plans, including therapy, counseling, and life skills training. |
| Luxury Rehab Programs (30 days) | $30,000 โ $100,000 | High-end facilities with luxurious amenities, private rooms, gourmet meals, holistic therapies, and recreational activities. |
| OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION | ||
| Basic Outpatient Programs | $6,000 โ $10,000 for 3 months | Regular therapy sessions and counseling while the patient lives at home allow for work and family commitments. |
| Intensive Outpatient Programs | $3,000 โ $10,000 for 30 days | More frequent therapy sessions and support designed for those who need more intensive care but not 24/7 supervision. |
| AFTERCARE PROGRAMS | ||
| Continuing Care (monthly) | $500 โ $1,200 per month | Ongoing support and therapy to help maintain sobriety, including group therapy, individual counseling, and check-ups. |
How Much Does 30-Day Inpatient Rehab Cost?
Usually, people look for short rehab programs. Yet, take into account that you may need ongoing care to guarantee long-term sobriety.
Since inpatient rehab involves staying at a treatment facility 24/7 for a specific period, the costs can be significantly higher than those of outpatient programs. The cost of 30-day inpatient rehab programs can vary widely depending on the facility, location, and services offered.
On average, the cost for a 30-day program is approximately $12,500. Inpatient care in a private facility typically costs $500 to $650 daily, averaging $575/day. Additionally, some rehab centers may charge an admission fee of close to $3,000 or $4,000. For luxury or high-end facilities with extensive amenities and personalized care, the costs can be significantly higher, ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 for a 30-day program.
How Much Is Rehab For Alcohol?
As for alcohol addiction recovery, intensive outpatient care offers more frequent therapy sessions and support than general outpatient care but does not require overnight stays.
The cost of alcohol rehab intensive outpatient care in a private facility ranges from $500 to $650 per day, with an average daily cost of $575. Over 30 days, this translates to costs between $15,000 and $19,500, averaging $17,250 for the inpatient alcohol rehab cost a month.
State-Funded Drug Rehab Programs
Government-funded rehabilitation centers offer treatment at little to no cost to the patient, making them an essential resource for those unable to afford private rehab facilities.
However, due to their state-funded nature, these centers may provide a different range of services than privately funded facilities. For example, some state-funded programs may focus primarily on detoxification and medical management rather than offering comprehensive counseling or other recovery support services.
It’s essential to be aware of state-funded rehab centers, as they often have waiting lists due to limited funding and high demand for low-cost addiction treatment. Each state agency has its standards, but typically, individuals applying to attend a state-funded rehabilitation center must provide proof of residency, income status, and detailed information about their addiction history.
Check for more information and contact details for the different state agencies that manage these programs.
NonProfit Drug Rehab Programs
If you are looking for non-profit organizations dedicated to addressing addiction, we have listed the top 5 in the United States. These organizations are renowned for their commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by substance abuse, offering a range of resources and advocacy initiatives.
- She Recovers for women who are in recovery or seeking recovery.
- Faces and Voices of Recovery for policies and practices that support addiction recovery.
- National Drug Dependency and Alcohol Awareness for referrals to treatment and support services
- To Write Love on Her Arms to support to those with mental health conditions and addictions.
- Shatterproof offers resources and tools that include a helpline and support groups.
How to Pay For Drug Rehab?
Drug and alcohol rehab prices can be daunting, but there are several options available to make it affordable for anyone seeking help. Many people can receive recovery support services at little to no out-of-pocket cost. You can find many peer support and recovery groups run by non-profit organizations stated above, charities, or churches. Letโs review how you can pay for your rehab:
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- Paying out of pocket covers all addiction treatment costs and offers choices based on personal preferences.
- Public insurance government-subsidized (Medicaid/Medicare) covers costs partially or entirely, not all centers accept it.
- Private insurance offered by employers covers more treatments but may have higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Low-cost rehabs government-subsidized; sliding scale payments, no-interest loans, income-based payments.
- Free drug rehab centers provide treatment at no cost to eligible individuals, often a long waiting list.
Does My Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
If you’re wondering: How much is rehab with insurance? Check with your insurance company policy’s specifics to determine which treatments and services are covered and whether there are any out-of-pocket expenses. Knowing this information can help estimate how much rehab will cost with your insurance coverage. Read more about drug rehab and your health insurance options:
Does My Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment? Read More About Your Health Insurance Options:
How Much Do Rehabs Cost? โ Bottom Line
With the information provided, you can find a drug rehab center that fits your situation. Use our drug rehab locator for an entire directory and options. Effective addiction treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just their drug abuse. Remember that the goal of treatment is to stop drug abuse and make you return to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community.
Most people who enter and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning. The cost or logistics should not stop you from living a sober and peaceful life. Seek the help you need and reclaim your life!
People Also Ask
What is the average cost of drug rehab?
Costs vary by addiction type, facility, location, and services. General outpatient rehab costs from $1,400 to $10,000, averaging $5,700 monthly. Intensive outpatient care costs an average of $4,939, while residential treatment costs about $42,500 for 30 days.
How expensive is alcohol rehab?
Intensive outpatient care for alcohol addiction in a private facility ranges from $500 to $650 per day, averaging $575 daily. Over 30 days, costs range from $15,000 to $19,500, averaging $17,250.
How much does a month of rehab cost?
The average cost of drug rehab ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 for a 30-day program, depending on the facility and services provided.
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Page Sources
- Opioid Abuse and Homelessness - National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2019, December 30). National Alliance to End Homelessness. https://endhomelessness.org/resource/opioid-abuse-and-homelessness/
- Wu, L., Zhu, H., & Ghitza, U. E. (2018). Multicomorbidity of chronic diseases and substance use disorders and their association with hospitalization: Results from electronic health records data. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 192, 316โ323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.08.013
- Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, January 5). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
- Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2023]: by Type, State & More. (2024, May 2). NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/cost-of-rehab/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (third edition) - Types of treatment programs. https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition