Drug & Alcohol Rehab Costs
In This Article
Only one in 10 people in the U.S. receive substance abuse treatment.1 One factor for such a low figure is the cost of rehab, which can vary greatly.
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 Rehab | Average 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) |
| Medication | Several 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 requires all health insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment. However, the coverage may vary depending on your plan.
You can also check if your state offers Medicaid or Medicare coverage for addiction treatment. Some states offer 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. Some people choose outpatient rehab because it’s cheaper, while others pay some amount out-of-pocket.
Insurance Company
Health insurance companies have different guidelines and stipulations. Some companies cover up to 30 days of inpatient rehab, which may not be enough. Yoga, massage, and other holistic care may be beneficial. However, the 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.
Factors that Affect Rehab Costs
The cost of drug and alcohol addiction treatment depends on many factors, including:
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 recommended for select cases.
Program Size
A smaller, more intimate addiction treatment program costs more. This is because the higher staff-to-client ratio allows for more personalized care.
Program Length
For comparison, a 30-day inpatient rehab costs $5,000 to $20,000. Longer programs range from $12,000 to $60,000.
Treatments Offered
The inclusion of detox and additional therapies affect the cost of rehab. For example, cocaine users usually don’t experience withdrawal. Their treatment doesn’t require detox, which lowers the cost.
Amenities
A 30-day luxury rehab program can cost $25,000 to $100,000 due to more upscale amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts, and private rooms.
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.
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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 admission requirements varying by state.
Out-of-pocket payment is another option. It’s challenging but feasible for cheaper outpatient treatments.
Other ways to pay for rehab include:
Medicaid and Medicare
These 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’re eligible, you may receive free or low-cost treatment.
Non-Profit Organizations
These organizations offer programs for people with limited resources or housing to people committed to getting 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 in need of financial aid. 10,000 Beds and Sobriety Foundation have such programs.8, 9 These scholarships are usually awarded based on need and merit.
Raiding Funds
Some people also raise money through:
- Personal loans from family or friends
- Healthcare loans (like My Treatment Lender, Lightstream, and Prosper)
- Donations
- Fundraising (GoFundMe, YouCaring, Crowdrise, and Indiegogo)
- Spending a portion of their savings or 401(k)plan
- Selling non-essential items (like jewelry and art collections)
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
Is Rehab Worth It?
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 has adverse effects on the following:
- Employment status
- Health and well-being
- Finances
- Relationships with loved ones and friends
- Overall quality of life
Addiction treatment can help people get their life back on track. Moreover, recovered users can save and prudently spend money as they spend nothing on drugs or alcohol.
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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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- “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016.
- “How much does opioid treatment cost?” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2021.
- “MyTreatmentLender.com Provides Loans for Drug, Alcohol and Eating Disorder Treatment Centers.” WebWire, 2013.
- Tretina, K. “5 best medical loans of 2022.” Credit Karma, 2022.
- “Who is eligible for Medicaid?” HHS.gov.
- “Essential Health Benefits.” HealthCare.gov.
- “Rehabilitation.” The Salvation Army USA.
- “1000 Beds | One bed. One life.” Ten Thousand Beds.
- “Applicants & Recovery.” Sobriety Foundation.
- “Find Treatment.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- “Step 1 - Search Trusted Sources to Find Providers.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
