On average, a high-quality addiction treatment program can cost about $10,000 to $20,000 a month.
This number can be shocking for many who need recovery help. Considering that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says a treatment program should last at least three months, the total bill can quickly tick higher.
Ultimately, the cost of alcohol and drug rehab can vary significantly, ranging from free community-based and public services to luxury rehab centers that can cost as much as $120,000 per month.
The overall cost depends on the type of program you choose, the location, the types of services you receive, the provider, the duration of treatment, and the amenities you want or need.
The Cost of Outpatient Treatment Services
Outpatient treatment programs for alcohol and drug abuse offer services during specific hours, and you can attend sessions and meetings at times that are convenient to you. Costs will depend on what services you receive.
In general, an outpatient treatment program is one of the most cost-effective options since you are only paying for the time you are there, which is usually only a few hours per day. Outpatient programs generally range in price from about $2,000 to $5,000 on average, though some facilities may cost closer to $10,000 for a three-month treatment plan.
How Do I Use Insurance to Pay for Outpatient Programs?
Many insurance plans, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), will cover at least some of the costs of alcohol and drug abuse treatment. As a result, insurance can often be used to pay for outpatient treatment services in the form of counseling, therapies, life skills trainings, case management, detox, and workshops or educational programs.
Most of the time, insurance providers will ask you to try outpatient rehab first before they will approve coverage for inpatient treatment services. As a result, it is often easier to use insurance for outpatient programs. You may need to use a provider that is in the coverage network in order for services to be covered.
What Outpatient Services Are Usually Covered?
Outpatient rehab can include a variety of different treatment services.
- Group and individual counseling
- Various evidence-based therapies
- Detox
- Medication management
- Life skills trainings
- Support groups
While some outpatient treatment services like support groups are provided through community-based programs, nonprofits, or 12-step programs that are free, they are also aspects of most outpatient rehab programs.
There are also different kinds and levels of outpatient treatment, including intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Both of these are more structured than traditional outpatient rehab, and they will generally cost a little more as you will spend more time in treatment.
With an IOP, you will usually go to rehab for around three to five hours per day three days a week. With a PHP, you will spend five to seven hours per day in a program five days per week. On average, an IOP will cost about $250 to $350 per day, while a PHP will cost about $350 to $450 per day.
The Cost for Inpatient or Residential Treatment
Generally speaking, you will pay about $500 to $650 per day for a traditional inpatient or residential treatment program. The longer you stay and the more amenities and services you require, the higher the costs will be.
With inpatient rehab, you stay on the premises during treatment, so you will need to cover the costs of room and board, food, and treatment services. Inpatient or residential programs can range from $7,500 all the way up to $120,000 per month for a luxury treatment center. The location of the center as well as the level of care and the type of services offered will all play a role in how much it costs.
Are Luxury Treatment Centers Worth the Cost?
A luxury treatment center may provide you with a serene and calming environment, private accommodations, gourmet meals, and spa treatments. These programs can cost between $20,000 and $80,000 per month on average, however.
As with many things, you will often get what you pay for, and luxury treatment centers can provide you with a high level of care, comfort, and quality amenities. You can also get what you need out of a traditional rehab facility for a lower price tag, however.
Make a list about what you really need during treatment and learn if the facility offers this. Also check into what extras are provided. You may be paying for things you don’t really need or plan to use.
Always confirm exactly what is provided in the cost of treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. Then, compare and contrast a few options before enrolling in a program.
Why Do Some Residential Treatment Facilities Cost More?
The cost of a residential treatment program will include all your treatment services, such as counseling, therapy, life skills training, medication management, and relapse prevention planning. Costs will also include the price of living there and meals. Some will have additional services that may cost extra like spa treatments, chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, or acupuncture.
Facilities that are located in secluded and desirable locations often cost more. The same is true for centers that offer private accommodations and posh, luxury environments.
Affordable Inpatient Options
There are several ways to offset the cost of inpatient treatment.
- Use insurance to help pay for services. Many insurance plans will provide coverage for inpatient rehab programs up to a set number of days in a calendar year.
- Find out if the facility offers payment on a sliding scale, which allows you to pay what you are able based on your financial situation.
- Consider staying in a sober living home while enrolled in a PHP or IOP. Both IOPs and PHPs offer a highly structured program that is similar to what you’ll receive in an inpatient program. If you are living in a sober living environment, it will ensure you are supported and surrounded by others looking to maintain their sobriety as well.
- Talk to the treatment provider. Most rehab facilities offer payment plans or financing options to make treatment costs more manageable.
Knowing What Level of Care You Need
Treatment providers can determine what level of care will be ideal for you. A supervising physician or case manager will conduct an initial assessment to evaluate the level of care you need.
If you have a high level of support at home and have not been battling addiction for very long, an outpatient program may provide you with what you need. An inpatient or more structured drug or alcohol rehab program may be the best choice if any of the following are true:
- You also struggle with a serious medical or mental health issue.
- Your home life is not stable. Instead, it is stressful or chaotic.
- You have been using drugs or alcohol a lot for a long time, and you struggle with significant withdrawal symptoms and cravings when they wear off.
- You have already tried outpatient treatment and relapsed.
Is Rehab Worth the Cost?
While the price tag for rehab may seem high, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that every $1 spent on addiction treatment results in up to $12 in savings. The investment in addiction treatment pays dividends in reduced health care costs, lower criminal justice and legal expenses, and increased workplace production.
This doesn’t take into account the value of your quality of life. The benefits you will receive in virtually every area of life from alcohol and drug abuse treatment will greatly outweigh the cost of care.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
