How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost

With the U.S. engaged in a battle against a heroin and fentanyl epidemic, the demands being placed on the addiction treatment community have never been higher. With so many facilities located throughout the country impacted, the costs associated with addiction treatment are rising. That is not good news at a time when treatment availability is becoming crucial for many people in the country.

How much does it cost clients to get addiction treatment in America? Before we answer this very important question, we want to make clear that prices can vary a lot for a lot of reasons. Here are some of the factors that go into determining how much treatment might cost:

  • The location of the facility
  • The type of treatments required (inpatient/outpatient/detox)
  • The duration of treatment
  • Available amenities
  • Unique circumstances such as the presence of co-occurring disorders

Since it’s difficult to account for all of these factors, we are going to discuss the cost of treatment based on standard treatment options. Starting with inpatient treatment, the cost will usually range between $4,000 a month to as high as $10,000 a month for a luxury facility with plenty of privacy and nice amenities. Outpatient treatment is significantly less expensive because clients live at home and only report for treatment for scheduled appointments.

The cost associated with this option will run from $2,000 a month up to as high as $5,000 a month in higher-end treatment facilities. As far as detox programs, the base price is approximately $1,500 for a standard one-week medical detox program up to as high as $3,000 for a tapering detox program that might require up to a month of treatment. Many times, prescription medications are extra. At the bottom end of the treatment spectrum, a person with a drinking problem might be able to get treatment for $3,500.

That includes one month of outpatient treatment and a detox program at a local treatment facility. If someone opts for residential treatment in a comfortable facility with amenities, that could run $10,000 to $12,000 a month. If the facility requires travel arrangements to get there, a one-month bill could run as high as $15,000. That’s a lot of money.

Paying for Rehab

The fact a lot of addicts don’t have enough money to cover treatment is a big deal. It stands as a barrier for a lot of people who need help and can’t get it. A discussion about how to pay for treatment seems important here. If there is a silver lining to this problem, it’s that healthcare insurance providers are required by law to cover addiction treatment costs in the same way they would other medical treatments. That law was established by the Affordable Care Act in 2009.

As long as someone has healthcare insurance through their employer or as an individual, paying for basic treatment should not be prohibitive. If someone lacks healthcare insurance, paying for treatment is obviously a challenge. For these individuals, we want to offer the following suggestions:

  • Take money out of your personal savings. If you have a 401K account, the IRS does permit emergency withdrawals for medical issues
  • Ask a friend or relative for financial help or a personal loan
  • Seek a secured or unsecured loan from a private or commercial lender
  • Ask the rehab facility about the availability of charitable grants, scholarships, or the possibility of inhouse financing

As you look at this list, you need to remember we are addressing your health and the potential for damage to your life. Getting treatment should always be a priority no matter what it takes. Of course, going into debt at a bad time is not a great idea. However, money can be replaced. Your life cannot be replaced. The best thing to do is discuss your financial situation with a rehab facility administrator and see if they have any suggestions. Keep in mind, they are in the business of helping people. That also applies to for-profit addiction treatment facilities.

If you want or need treatment but can’t afford it, we encourage you to give us a call at 833-680-0165. We might have some suggestions or resources you have not yet considered. You would be amazed at what can be accomplished with a little communication. At the end of the day, we want an opportunity to bring you in and give you the help you need.