How Much Does it Cost to Rehabilitate a Drug Addict?

The cost to rehabilitate a drug addict can vary significantly. There’s no way to put a particular dollar amount on it because everyone is unique, as are their treatment needs. 

We can explain more about the treatment process and what affects the cost of addiction treatment.

The Addiction Rehab Process

Addiction treatment for a substance use disorder is a process. There are several steps along the way, although the length of the process and the particular treatment approach can vary depending on individual needs.

In general, during rehab, you’ll participate in extensive therapy. The goal of an addiction treatment program, regardless of the specifics, is to help you change your alcohol or drug-seeking behaviors, according to the Mental Health Services Administration. You also work on relapse prevention and coping skills.

Long-term support can be a critical part of your recovery journey too.

When you have a substance use disorder, it’s not fast or easy to get sober for most people. Effective treatment requires that you’re dedicated to the process and work hard.

The process can include steps that look like the following:

• Intake: The first step of treatment is intake. During intake, a treatment team will learn more about not just your addiction. Your treatment team will also go over your physical and mental health. You may have a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis, significantly impacting your treatment plan.
• Detox: With addiction, there’s often physical dependence on substances. Going through withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable. A medical detox keeps you safe while you go through withdrawal symptoms.
• Rehab: Once you go through detox, you can begin actual addiction treatment. Three general types of programs are inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization. The rehab phase of treatment is very therapy intensive. You’re building a foundation that will support long-term recovery. You can deal with the underlying components of your addiction during this time. Rehab tends to be very holistic as well. You aren’t just learning not to use drugs or alcohol. Family, group, and individual therapy may be part of your rehab program.
• Aftercare: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, making aftercare important. You aren’t finished with the work of recovery after rehab ends. Your treatment team will work with you on an aftercare plan. Aftercare planning can vary in intensity. Some people may need time in a sober living home. For others, their aftercare plan includes continuing therapy or participation in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Understanding the Cost to Rehabilitate a Drug Addict

The cost of rehab for drug addicts or people with an alcohol addiction can be free, ranging up to thousands of dollars a day. There is a considerable amount of variance in the cost of addiction treatment.

Factors that play a role in the cost of addiction treatment are:

• Center type: A residential program is typically more expensive than outpatient rehab because you live onsite. The treatment includes intensive therapy and room and board. The length of the program and its location will also affect the rehab cost. For example, if you go to treatment in a state with a high cost of living, your rehab will probably be more expensive than it would in a lower-cost state.
• Treatment options: Not everyone needs all types of treatment. For example, if you aren’t a long-term drug user, you might not need a medical detox or medical care, lowering your costs. Similarly, some substances don’t have particularly dangerous or difficult withdrawal periods. Cocaine is an example. You might need nothing more than basic monitoring. Alcohol and heroin, on the other hand, can cause significant withdrawal symptoms.
• Program length: A 30-day program in a residential treatment facility will be less expensive than a comparable 60-day or 90-day inpatient rehab program, for example. 
• Amenities: Many inpatient programs will offer amenities, and some more expensive rehabs are like resorts. You can decide your priorities as far as amenities because overall, they don’t impact the quality of your treatment.

How to Pay for Rehab

Don’t let the cost deter you from receiving treatment. There are many flexible ways to cover the cost to rehabilitate a drug addict or someone with alcohol addiction.

If you have private health insurance, most do cover at least some of the substance abuse treatment programs. Depending on your insurance company and plan, insurance may entirely cover rehab.

If you aren’t sure what your plan covers, a treatment center can verify this information for you. When you contact a rehab center, they can get in touch with your insurer to see if they’re in your provider network. A rehab center can also verify how many days you have coverage for if it’s inpatient and the services covered under your plan.

Under the Affordable Care Act, if you have an addiction or a mental health disorder, they’re included in the ten essential covered health benefits from your private insurance provider. Insurers have to treat mental health disorders and addiction the same way as other physical health conditions.

State and federally-sponsored health insurance coverage benefits may also cover the cost of rehab.

Other ways to pay for rehab include:

• Private funding or financing is available. A treatment center, for example, may offer a payment or financial assistance plan for drug addiction treatment. You may also be able to arrange for this through a third-party lender.
• State-run addiction rehab facilities often offer public assistance, but there may be a long waiting list.
• SAHSMA provides federal funding for state addiction treatment programs. You may be eligible for a SAMHSA grant.

Is the Cost of Rehab for Drug Addicts Worth It

Substance abuse treatment is an expense and an investment, but it’s undoubtedly worth it. The average cost of ongoing substance abuse is around $12,000 a year. Over just two years, this will be a much higher financial cost than rehab in many cases. That doesn’t even take into account the worsening toll on your health, family, job, and well-being.

The ultimate price of untreated addiction is all-too-often death.

The particular costs of addiction you may experience without treatment include:

• Loss of your job and income because of ongoing problems stemming from your addiction
• Breakdowns in your relationships with friends and loved ones and other social costs 
• The cost of dealing with physical health effects of addiction
• Legal expenses that can stem from impaired judgment and decision-making

There are so many options to cover the cost to rehabilitate a drug addict or alcohol addict. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start, call 866-681-0927 to reach out to the Silver Lining Recovery team. We can help you learn more about the costs, available payment options, and insurance verification. We can also give more information about the average price of rehab based on treatment types.