Updated on February 6, 2024
6 min read

How to Pay for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Only one in 10 people in the U.S. receive substance abuse treatment.1 One reason the number is so low is because rehab can cost a lot, and the price ranges widely.

The good thing is there are treatment centers and programs for every budget. There are also many payment options, including private health insurance.

Types of Rehab and Their Costs (Without Insurance)

Here are some numbers to give you an idea about addiction treatment costs:

Type of RehabAverage Cost Range
Medically Supervised Detox$250 to $1,500 per day
Outpatient Program$1,400 to $10,000 for a three-month program
Intensive Outpatient Program$3,000 to $10,000 for a 30-day program
Partial Hospitalization Program$350 and $450 per day
Inpatient Rehab$5,000 to $20,000 for a 30-day program ($12,000 to $60,000 for 60- and 90-day programs) 
MedicationSeveral thousand dollars per year (For example, $6,552 for methadone, $5,980 for buprenorphine, and $14,112 for naltrexone.)2

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Does Insurance Cover Rehab Costs?

Private health insurance is one of the most common payment methods for substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, it may not cover all costs. 

The Affordable Care Act says all health insurance must cover substance abuse treatment. But how much they cover can differ depending on your specific insurance plan.

You can also check if your state offers Medicaid or Medicare coverage for addiction treatment. Some states provide free or low-cost programs for those who qualify.

Insurance coverage will depend on various factors like:

Insurance Policy

Your plan may not cover all rehab center services. So some people pick outpatient rehab because it costs less, while others pay some of the cost themselves.

Insurance Company

Health insurance companies have different guidelines and stipulations. Some companies cover only up to 30 days of inpatient rehab, which may not be enough. 

There are also cases where you can benefit from yoga, massage, and other holistic care for treatment. However, your insurer may not recognize them.

Contact your health insurance provider to verify your coverage. You should also contact the rehab center to determine their cost and if they’re part of your insurer’s network.

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Other Ways to Pay for Rehab

There are other ways to pay for substance abuse treatment if you don’t have private health insurance. Many treatment centers offer financing aid and financing options. 

Some receive state funding and local grants, with varying admission requirements per state. Out-of-pocket payment is another option, although it might be challenging for cheaper outpatient treatments.  

Other ways to pay for rehab include:

Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid and Medicare are government-funded health insurance plans. They can help pay for substance abuse treatment if you’re eligible.5, 6

State and Local Government Programs

Some states have addiction treatment programs for uninsured people. If you qualify, you may get free or low-cost treatment.

Examples of these state and local government programs include:

  • Tricare for military veterans
  • Medicare for people 65 and older or 65 and under with a severe disability
  • Medicaid for those with low incomes

Public assistance programs are also available to help pay for substance abuse treatment.

Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations offer programs for people with little money or housing who want to get sober. Salvation Army is one example, providing rehab assistance in exchange for eight-hour work therapy per day.7

Scholarships

Some rehab centers offer scholarships to those needing financial aid. 10,000 Beds and Sobriety Foundation have such programs.8,9 These scholarships are usually awarded based on need and merit.

Raising Funds

Some people also raise money through:  

Check out these options by visiting the health or substance abuse agency near you. You can also check the directories of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).10,11

Other Payment Methods

Other ways to pay for treatment include:

  • Credit cards
  • CareCredit
  • Bank loans
  • Friends and family

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Factors that Affect Rehab Costs

The cost of drug and alcohol addiction treatment depends on many factors, including: 

1. Type of Treatment

Inpatient residential treatment is expensive due to intensive care, meals, lodging, therapies, and wellness activities. You may save money if you opt for outpatient treatment, which is less intensive and more affordable. However, outpatient treatment is only best for select cases.

2. Program Size

A smaller rehab program with more one-on-one care costs more. This is because there are more staff per client.

3. Program Length

For comparison, a 30-day inpatient rehab costs $5,000 to $20,000. Longer programs range from $12,000 to $60,000.

4. Treatments Offered

Adding detox and extra therapies raises the cost. For example, cocaine users usually don't go through withdrawal. Their treatment doesn't need detox, so it costs less.

5. Amenities 

A 30-day luxury rehab program can cost $25,000 to $100,000 due to more upscale amenities. These include swimming pools, tennis courts, and private rooms. 

6. Location

A rehab center in a place with a higher cost of living can be more expensive. For instance, a program in California may cost more than one in Texas.

7. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Apart from the main costs, there are extra expenses like transportation, medicine, and medical tests. Ensure you have enough money to cover these additional costs, plus the basic treatment cost.

Is Rehab Worth It?

Yes, addiction treatment can help get your life back on track. People who recover can save and spend money wisely since they don't buy drugs or alcohol.

Some people may be concerned about the cost of rehab. However, it’s not as expensive as addiction and its adverse effects. If untreated, addiction can impact:

  • Employment status
  • Health and well-being
  • Finances
  • Relationships with loved ones and friends
  • Overall quality of life

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Why Cost Shouldn't Deter You From Seeking Treatment

Seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a costly investment, but the long-term benefits of rehab far outweigh the initial costs. Here are some reasons why price shouldn't deter you from seeking treatment:

1. Improved Overall Health and Well-being

Going through rehab can significantly improve your physical and mental health. Addiction takes a toll on the body and mind, causing various health issues. You can reverse these effects and improve your overall well-being by seeking treatment.

2. Avoiding Future Costs

Not getting proper addiction treatment can result in more costs in the long run. This includes potential health complications, legal fees, and loss of income due to decreased productivity. You can save yourself from these possible future costs by investing in rehab now.

3. Better Quality of Life

Addiction can negatively impact all areas of your life, from relationships to career prospects. Getting treatment and beating addiction can improve your life in the long run. This means better relationships, job chances, and more happiness overall. 

Summary

Rehab is an effective way to treat addiction and get your life back on track. Although the cost of rehab can be a barrier, there are ways to pay for it.

Private health insurance is one of the most common ways to pay for rehab. You can look into other payment options if you don't have private health insurance. 

Remember that the costs of not treating addiction can be much higher than the cost of treatment. Investing in your health and well-being is worth it.

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Updated on February 6, 2024
11 sources cited
Updated on February 6, 2024
  1. Addiction and Substance Misuse Reports and Publications” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023.
  2. How much does opioid treatment cost?” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2021.
  3. MyTreatmentLender.com Provides Loans for Drug, Alcohol and Eating Disorder Treatment Centers.” WebWire, 2013.
  4. Tretina, K. “5 best medical loans of 2023.” Credit Karma, 2023.
  5. Who is eligible for Medicaid?” HHS.gov. 
  6. “Essential Health Benefits.” HealthCare.gov. 
  7. Adult Rehabilitation Services.” The Salvation Army USA. 
  8. 1000 Beds | One bed. One life.” Ten Thousand Beds.
  9. Applicants & Recovery.” Sobriety Foundation. 
  10. Find Treatment.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
  11. Step 1 - Search Trusted Sources to Find Providers.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

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