Seeking help for alcohol addiction is a brave step towards changing your life. However, for many, the cost of addiction treatment is a major barrier.
The American Psychological Association estimates that 39% of people avoid treatment because of cost concerns.
It’s unfortunate because, contrary to popular belief, alcohol rehab can be affordable if you know where to go.
In this in-depth guide, we discuss how much it costs to get alcohol rehab. Read on for factors that affect rehab prices, and get tips on lessening the cost of addiction treatment.
How Much Does It Cost for Alcohol Rehab?
How much alcohol rehab costs can vary depending on the types of services and the duration of the treatment.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the cheapest inpatient treatment program is $6,000 per month. Meanwhile, the cheapest outpatient rehab program is $5,000 for three months.
If budget is an issue, you can also check state-run treatment centers. Some facilities offer free addiction rehab services. In fact, over 443 facilities around the United States have free treatments for all patients!
Why the Facility Matters
It’s worth noting that some treatment centers are pricier because of the level of comfort they provide. Facilities with luxury rooms and good food have pricer rehab programs.
Choosing the right addiction treatment center is key to the success of your recovery.
For instance, your response to addiction treatment may be better with a peaceful room at a facility surrounded by nature.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Alcohol Rehab
To give you a better idea of how much alcohol rehab costs, here’s a breakdown of factors that can affect the price of your treatment.
1. Type of Treatment
Alcohol addiction treatment is different for everyone. The average cost can vary based on your treatment program.
Below are treatments you may have to choose from.
Detoxification Services
Detox programs are services that help you safely withdraw from alcohol with medical supervision. They only last for one to two weeks, or until you’re physically stable from the detox.
Rapid detox programs like these can cost patients up to $10,000. It doesn’t include therapies and mental health treatments that can prevent you from relapsing.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient programs are pricier since you’ll stay at the facility full-time. In general, the cost of inpatient treatment starts at $6,000 per month. For those who want to recover at a luxury facility, however, inpatient rehab may cost up to $20,000 per month.
That said, even though these treatment programs are costly, they’re also effective.
You’ll receive 24/7 care during inpatient rehab treatment. Medical professionals will be able to quickly respond to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Outpatient rehab is one of the most affordable treatment options because of the lack of room and board costs. During outpatient treatment, you get to go home at the end of the day after therapy sessions.
The cheapest outpatient care in the US is $5,000 for three months. Higher-end facilities may cost up to $10,000. The average cost depends on how often you visit, with some patients paying up to $500 per visit.
Partial Hospitalization
Like IOP, partial hospitalization is a treatment program that lets you return to your home at night. The difference is that you might spend more hours in the hospital compared to outpatient treatment programs.
In the US, partial hospitalization prices range from $350 to $450 per day without insurance at a private facility.
Sober Living
Another expense you may have after inpatient rehab is sober living. Here, you’ll live in a safe house to recover your mental health and adjust to life outside the facility.
Sober living is less medical and more behavioral. Therefore, this type of drug rehab is more affordable than inpatient treatment.
People with alcohol use disorder can expect to pay $300 to $2,000 per month for sober living.
Counseling and Therapy
Therapy sessions and support groups are integral to recovering from alcohol use disorder. They allow you to identify drug abuse triggers and equip you with skills that can prevent relapse.
Private rehab facilities charge $100 to $200 per session. However, you can lessen the cost of alcohol therapy by going to a social service organization or church.
2. Length of Stay
How long your treatment plan is can determine the cost of drug rehab.
Attending a 30-day program for drug addiction is a great start. Yet, studies show that 60 and 90-day substance abuse treatments are more effective.
Lengthier stays may cost double or triple the price of 30-day programs. The good news is that most rehab facilities accept private and state-funded insurance.
3. Facility Location
The cost of rehab also changes depending on your state and location. Facilities in the District of Columbia are the most expensive, while those in Idaho are the cheapest.
Moreover, facilities in urban cities may be more expensive, while rural areas can have cheaper treatments.
Lastly, consider the cost of traveling to the facility. If you’re in an outpatient program, it’s best to pick a rehab center closer to your home. This way, you can lessen the cost of travel.
4. Amenities
A facility’s amenities have a significant impact on your total bill.
Standard government-run facilities are cheaper. On the other hand, luxury facilities with private rooms, pools, and gardens are pricier.
Still, the facility’s amenities can influence your responsiveness to the treatment. If you can afford it, choose a comfortable rehab center with everything you need.
5. Staff Credentials
Your treatment provider’s expertise can affect the level of care you receive. For this reason, opting for senior staff at your facility is pricier.
Consider your health condition before deciding whether you need help from a therapist with more experience.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from the initial cost of rehab, you should also prepare for hidden charges.
1. Medication
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment is necessary to manage your withdrawal symptoms. In alcohol addiction treatment, doctors may prescribe naltrexone for cravings and topiramate for seizures.
The cost of prescription medicine during and after medical detox can add up, especially if you have co-occurring disorders.
2. Missed Income
On top of the cost of drug rehab, remember that you may also miss salaries. Drug addiction treatment may take weeks to months of commitment, depending on how serious your condition is.
How Can You Lessen Costs for Alcohol Rehab?
We understand that getting help is scary when you think about the cost of alcohol addiction treatment. Don’t worry. Let’s walk through a few ways you can save on your bills.
1. Health Insurance Coverage
Yes. Private insurance and federal insurance, like Medicaid and Medicare, can cover treatment costs. Still, most insurance plans only cover standard treatments.
Luxury amenities and extended stays are not covered by insurance plans. You can call your insurance provider to ask about drug abuse treatment services.
2. Grants From Treatment Centers
If you meet the requirements, you may also go to state-funded and non-profit rehabs. These facilities can offer free treatment for low-income earners.
3. Rehab Loans
Private treatment facilities may sometimes offer financial assistance through rehab loans. Here, rehab centers work with third-party lenders to provide flexible payment options.
Rehab loans are great because they allow you to pay the cost of addiction treatment in increments to lessen the financial load.
4. Employee-Assisted Programs
An employee-assisted program is a benefit that can help employees with mental health treatment.
The employee (and close family members) may receive free counseling sessions from a healthcare provider. The cost of further addiction treatment isn’t free, but you can be referred to an affordable rehab center.
5. Other Support Groups
Lastly, you can go to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous for free programs you may join. Hospitals and universities may also have psychology programs as part of student training.
Is the Cost of Alcohol Rehab Treatment Worth It?
Alcohol addiction treatment programs may seem expensive. Yet, in reality, continuous addiction is costlier. First, people addicted to alcohol are more likely to skip work and lose their jobs. On top of this, you may get into accidents and experience illness due to alcoholism.
Treating the effects of alcohol on your liver, heart, and digestive tract is even more financially draining.
Therefore, you should see addiction treatment programs as investments in your health and quality of life. In the long run, the cost of treatment is worth it!
Conclusion – Introducing Recreate Behavioral Health Network
So, how much does rehab cost for alcoholism? The short answer is that it can be anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000, depending on your situation.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend that much to treat substance use disorder at Recreate Behavioral Health Network!
Recreate Behavioral Health Network is a facility that accepts most health insurance companies. We can help you or your loved one recover from alcohol abuse at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t be afraid to contact us to learn more about the benefits covered by your insurance plan. We’re happy to answer all your questions and give you an initial assessment!
