How Much Does Rehab Cost

 

Addiction is socially prevalent and economically devastating disease.  Many people struggling with addiction need professional help but never follow through due to financial hardship or erroneous assumptions about the costs involved in seeking treatment. Although you may be among those who feel that rehab is unaffordable—and therefore out of reach—there are a wide range of options that can be pursued.

For many clients, insurance partially, if not totally, covers the duration of treatment. Even in cases where it doesn’t, other forms of financial assistance including grants, scholarships, loans, and flexible payment options are available. Some facilities also offer sliding scales and other discounted rates that help make enrollment in a recovery program a tangible reality for need-based clients.

Knowing the costs involved in attending a reputable treatment program is the single greatest concern most people struggling with addiction have. There is no universal answer to this question for the following reasons:

• Facility location—facilities that are in close proximity to home have a direct impact on reducing the cost of attending treatment due to the addition of travel expenses, etc. Additionally, facilities in prime locations such as the near the ocean, mountains or other scenic areas are generally higher priced (and for many clients, well worth it).
• Facility type—the cost of substance abuse treatment is highly variable based on the specific facility designation. For example, outpatient treatments, which offer non-residential services on a non-intensive basis, cost less than inpatient facilities based upon the intensive, residential services they provide.
• Program size—whether a program is small or large in size often has a significant impact on cost. Some clients prefer large, sprawling facilities that offer robust social support while others prefer small, intimate settings.
• Treatment provided—addiction treatment can include a wide range of services including detox, dual-diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and extended aftercare—all of which help determine the exact cost involved in treatment.
• Amenities—some facilities offer very little in terms of additional benefits, while others offer an impressive variety of amenities. Certain state-of-the-art facilities even include on-site perks such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, close proximity to the beach, parks, or other recreational hot-spots, nutritional counseling, and holistic therapies such as creative arts, yoga, etc.  

Regardless of the specific costs incurred during treatment, one thing remains certain—the cost of not seeking treatment is exponentially greater. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that destroys families, ravages mental and physical health, sabotages personal and professional success, imprisons and kills. Many people end up wishing they had attended treatment earlier in their addiction when optimal outcomes could still be achieved, or worse yet, never living to experience that regret.

Fortunately, for those serious about recovery, there are numerous treatment facilities to choose from. Whatever the scope of your needs and extent of your budget, rest assured there is a perfect option for you.

POPULAR TREATMENT OPTIONS

Although every treatment facility has its own unique character, participants can expect to encounter basic similarities and clinical features. For example, inpatient facilities have standard procedures that apply to all clients including an intake assessment and ongoing clinical evaluation, as well as regular group and individual therapy. Clients also benefit from 24/7 staff supervision and the presence of highly trained professionals experienced in all aspects of client care.

Clients attending outpatient facilities, on the other hand, live off-site, but during the course of on-site treatment experience group and individual therapy. In some cases, family therapy is also included in the treatment protocol. Many outpatient facilities offer similar basic services to those offered at inpatient facilities—only on a non-residential basis.

PRICE RANGE

As previously described, the exact costs associated with treatment are based upon a variety of factors including location, facility type, and scope of treatment services provided. The following provides a basic breakdown:

• Inpatient facilities—provide treatment that has long been considered the industry “gold standard.” For most clients, inpatient treatment costs between $14,000 and $27,000 for a month long program. Although pricey, inpatient treatment is an excellent, evidence-based option that includes everything a client could desire from their treatment experience.   
• Detox—detoxification services generally cost between $600 and $1000 per day, and represent an invaluable service to those suffering from substance-induced toxicity.
• Outpatient—outpatient facilities are considered the most affordable treatment option and, arguably, the least effective. The price of services rendered varies widely—from nothing to $500 per session.

At many inpatient treatment facilities, the rooms and lodging are considered basic. Most rooms include a comfortable bed, private or shared bathroom, and a limited amount of storage space.  In some cases, costs are reduced for those willing to share a room. Certain facilities are able to accommodate children, families, and pets depending upon specific client needs, and some offer upscale amenities such as an on-site swimming pool or gym.

Premium inpatient facilities may offer more impressive lodging and amenities to clients able to afford a high-end experience. Some feature ocean-side villas or other exquisite accommodations and maintain a private, luxurious atmosphere. These luxury rehabs—as they are often called—cost $25,000 or more per month and may include specialized modalities such as animal-assisted therapy, private nutrition management, and other ancillary benefits and services geared toward pampering and stress reduction.

Another treatment option for high-profile clients requiring discreet addiction treatment services and top-notch care are executive rehabs. These extremely expensive facilities may feature comprehensive secretarial services, access to state-of-the-art technology, and exquisite culinary options for those enrolled in the program. Despite the numerous advantages associated with luxury and executive rehabs, most clients simply cannot afford star-quality treatment, and many standard inpatient treatment facilities continue to offer world-class care.

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

In today’s economic climate, many clients have financial limitations that directly impact their addiction treatment decisions. Fortunately, most private facilities are willing to help offer solutions to financial barriers. In rare cases, financial limitations are such that alternative options may need to be explored, including low and no-cost government options. Unbeknownst to many people, there are a number of government-operated treatment facilities to choose from.  

In general, certain facilities offer treatment services free of charge based upon proven financial need, while others offer government-subsidized services based upon income level. For those qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid, detox and withdrawal treatment may be available at no cost, and facility staff can even help those in need apply for insurance and make other necessary arrangements.

Beyond these popular low and no-cost options, other recovery alternatives and options still exist. For example, in many demographics, popular support groups may include:

• SMART Recovery
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Other possible avenues of exploration for those seeking free addiction treatment services may include charities, church groups, and non-profits agencies or other religious organizations—many of which offer sober housing and other support services to those committed to recovery. These options provide welcome relief to thousands of people annually and are sometimes a first-step for those who are deeply religious or require faith-based assistance for a number of reasons.

Regardless of what treatment option or options a client ultimately chooses, a great place to start is by first verifying your insurance benefits. Verifying coverage in advance will help you make an informed, relatively stress-free decision when choosing a comprehensive treatment facility recognized under your plan. Even if you are unable to verify coverage and benefits in advance, a knowledgeable, friendly admissions staff member can help you obtain all the information you need—usually in less than an hour.

THE FIRST STEP

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol, call a substance abuse professional today. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires early intervention and aggressive treatment. Never delay the process or be ashamed of the fact that you need help. There is victory in humility and a wide-range of professional options waiting to help you on your journey to sobriety.

For more about addiction treatment, check out these related articles:

• “7 Benefits of Inpatient Rehab”
• “12 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Treatment Center”
• “What Are the Cost Benefits of Going to Rehab”
• “How to Find to Best Rehab Center: Questions to Ask Admissions Counselors”

Sources:

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. The Economic Costs of Substance Abuse Treatment: Updated Estimates and Cost Bands for Program Assessment and Reimbursement. Dec, 2009.

Health Services Research. Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Four Treatment Modalities for Substance Disorders: A Propensity Score Analysis. Feb, 2003.

Journal of Health Economics. Willingness to pay for drug rehabilitation: Implications forcost recovery. July, 2008.

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Economic costs of drug abuse: Financial, cost of illness, and services. March, 2008.