Cost of Rehab in 2023

  • Drug Detox (30-day): $250–$900 per day
  • Outpatient Care (3 months): $1,450–$11,000
  • Intensive Outpatient (30 days): $3,100–$10,000
  • Residential Treatment (varies): $5,300–$80,000

Are you thinking about entering treatment for a drug or alcohol problem? You probably have a lot of questions. What will it be like? How will it help me? What type of treatment is best for me?

And, if you are like most people seeking addiction treatment, you are probably wondering about the cost. After all, you have bills to pay, a family to support, and food that needs to get on the table. Can you possibly afford drug rehab?

Unfortunately, this mindset may only make you put off getting treatment. As a result, your career and your personal and family life suffer from the consequences of your addiction. Here is a new question you may want to ask yourself: Can I afford NOT to get treatment?

Consider this: Your drug or alcohol addiction is actually costing you much more money than you realize. Think of how much you spend on your drug of choice each month. Add the time you missed from work or poor financial decisions that you made while under the influence. Did you know that a DUI can end up costing you thousands of dollars in legal fees and increased insurance rates? Or what about the health issues related to your substance use? An overdose putting you in intensive care can result in major medical bills. Chronic health issues related to addiction can lead to costly medications and medical procedures.

Wouldn’t you rather take care of your problems before you hit rock bottom physically, emotionally, and financially? It’s easy to make excuses. The brave choice to get help for your addiction, by contrast, is an investment in your family’s financial future. After all, once you embrace sobriety, you’ll be able to think more clearly and be more productive. You may even find yourself advancing in your career, adding much more money to your monthly budget.

What Does Drug Rehab Cost?

Your expenses for drug rehab depend on a variety of factors. These include:

  • Your health insurance policy: If you have health insurance from your employer, the Marketplace, or Medicare, then chances are at least some of your drug rehab will be covered. This varies based on where you live and the specifics of your individual policy. Call your insurance representative to discuss co-pays, out-of-pocket expenses, and deductibles that need to be met. The following are some popular insurance companies that offer rehab coverage:
  • Type of drug rehab treatment: Some people need costly inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization programs. Others may do well in outpatient programs, which cost significantly less. An admissions counselor can help you determine which type of treatment is best for you. While money may be an issue, you also want to make sure you are placed in the most appropriate setting. This can help prevent relapse and other issues that will cost you more in the long run.
  • Where you choose treatment: If you feel you need a complete change of scenery for inspiration and motivation, there are several luxury drug rehabs available. You could find one overlooking the ocean or mountains and engage in exciting opportunities with many amenities. Of course, this will cost you. Local options and government-aided facilities have lower costs. Some, however, may have waiting lists, which could prevent you from getting care when you need it most. Also, if you have health insurance, make sure the facility is in your network. Out-of-network services generally have less coverage or no coverage at all.
  • Qualifying for financial assistance: There are some government programs that will subsidize your cost of drug rehab, depending on your income level. In addition, some drug rehab facilities offer sliding scales, scholarships, and payment plans to ease the financial burden.

The actual cost of a drug rehab program varies based on the state, services, amenities, and your health insurance coverage. Here is a basic look at out-of-pocket expenses without insurance.

Service/DurationMinimum CostMaximum Cost
Drug Detox (30-day)$250/day$900/day
Outpatient Care (3 months)$1,450$11,000
Intensive Outpatient (30 days)$3,100$10,000
Residential Treatment (varies)$5,300$80,000+

As you can see, rates for each type of service have a very broad range. It is best to contact your desired facility to determine the price, see what your insurance covers, and get information about discounts or payment programs.

Remember, you may be eligible for government-run or non-profit programs, which may have significantly lower costs. Check out the drug rehab programs that your state has to offer if money is keeping you from seeking treatment. In addition, some people have benefited from support programs like Alcoholics Anonymous that are free and available throughout the country.

Above all, remember that your life is at stake. Addiction is a chronic mental health condition that only gets worse with time. Getting help as soon as possible may prevent you from the very costly physical, mental, emotional, and legal consequences of addiction.

Do your research, make some phone calls, and investigate all your options. By taking the time to seek all the information you can, you have a better opportunity at finding a program that is perfect for you and your budget.

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Last updated: March 8, 2023