Drug Rehab Costs

Drug Rehab Costs
We Can HELP You
1-877-345-8494
Table of Contents
Factors That Affect Rehab Costs
Health Insurance and Rehabilitation
Finding Affordable Drug Rehab
Calculating the Value of Rehab

The ability to get treatment for drug or alcohol addiction shouldn’t depend on your bank account, but the fact is that many people who might otherwise seek treatment go without rehab because they believe they can’t afford the cost. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that lack of health insurance or other financial resources was the second most common reason that people who needed and wanted substance abuse treatment didn’t receive it. The most common reason that survey respondents didn’t seek rehab was that they simply weren’t ready to stop drinking or using.

In reality there are treatment options to fit all budgets, from free or sliding scale programs to resort-like facilities that cost thousands of dollars per week. Before you give up on your dream of recovery, talk with a knowledgeable addiction counselor who can give you accurate information about the cost of rehab in your area.

Factors That Affect Rehab Costs

Although it’s possible to give up drugs or alcohol on your own, participating in a comprehensive treatment program can substantially increase your chances of getting and staying sober. Statistics from DATOS (Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies) show that five years after completing treatment for cocaine addiction, only 25 percent of people who were surveyed reported that they were using the drug weekly. Levels of alcohol abuse, illegal activity and arrests also decreased in the population who sought treatment at a rehab facility.

If rehabilitation is so effective, why do so many people go without it? Lack of health insurance or personal financial resources are often the reason. The cost of drug rehab is affected by a number of factors:

Level of care+

The more intensive the treatment services, the more costly rehab will generally be. Inpatient programs, which include the cost of residential services as well as medical monitoring and pharmaceutical therapy, are more expensive than outpatient centers, where participants receive treatment during business hours while they continue to live at home.

Duration of treatment+

A short-term residential treatment program lasting 7 to 30 days will typically be less expensive than long-term residential care. However, longer stays of up to 90 days or more have been associated with lower relapse rates and longer periods of abstinence after rehab.

Staffing+

The cost of personnel is the most significant expense for drug rehab centers, according to the Alcohol and Drug Services Cost Study. In facilities that provide round-the-clock medical monitoring, salaries for doctors and nurses can represent a sizable percentage of the rehab center’s budget. The level of qualifications of counseling staff can also influence the fee for a drug rehab program.

Medication costs+

In programs that utilize pharmacotherapy as part of treatment, the cost of medication may affect fees. Programs that incorporate methadone, a drug used in treating opioid addiction, may be more expensive than other treatment plans.

Geographical location+

Like any other service, drug rehab is influenced by the local economy. On average, getting sober on the West Coast may be more expensive than getting rehab in the Midwest, for instance. Fortunately, reasonably priced or free treatment services are available throughout the country.

Source of funding+

Getting treatment at a private, for-profit facility is usually more expensive than going through rehab at a non-profit treatment center that relies partly or completely on public funding. Drug rehab centers that are sponsored by federal, state or local agencies may be more affordable, and the treatment strategies that are offered are often similar to the components of a self-pay rehab program. Generally, government-sponsored programs offer less one-on-one attention than private programs. Personal counseling, family therapy, support groups and medication therapy are usually available at any financial level.

Health Insurance and Rehabilitation

Having health insurance can make a big difference in the type of care you receive. Coverage for inpatient and outpatient rehab services varies greatly from one provider to another and from one policy to another. Many insurance companies set limits on how many days of treatment will be paid for, or on the level of treatment that will be covered. Some insurers will cover only outpatient drug rehab or counseling, while others will cover all or part of the cost of a residential treatment facility. Medicaid and Medicare may help with the cost of rehab, but your treatment options are limited to facilities that accept payment through these government programs.

In order to make sure that your care is paid for, it’s crucial to have treatment authorized before you go to rehab. Many facilities have intake counselors who can work with you to have your benefits verified. If your insurance company won’t cover rehab, you may be able to qualify for a sliding scale fee based on your income.

Finding Affordable Drug Rehab

The lack of information, not the lack of money, may be the biggest obstacle to getting effective drug rehab. Sometimes all it takes is a discussion with an intake counselor at a rehabilitation center to find a payment solution that you can afford. As you explore recovery services in your area, look for payment options like these:

  • Sliding-scale fee structures. Popular culture often portrays drug rehabilitation facilities as the equivalent of luxury hotels that only welcome wealthy celebrities. In fact, many of the more expensive facilities offer sliding-scale payment options for clients who don’t have the funds to pay the full fee for treatment.
  • Government voucher programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) administers a voucher program that helps low-income citizens get access to addiction treatment services. Access to Recovery (ATF) vouchers are available in 14 states for qualified applicants who need treatment. After passing an evaluation, the applicant receives vouchers that can be applied to treatment through at least two providers in the community.
  • Faith-based recovery. Many religious organizations offer low-cost or free addiction treatment services. Participation may or may not require that you practice the organization’s faith. Some programs require attendance at religious services or participation in church activities, while others require only that you remain open-minded and respect the organization’s beliefs.
  • Self-help recovery groups. Most cities have at least one self-help group that’s open to members who want to recover from drug or alcohol addiction. Membership in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and Al-Anon is free, and in larger communities, meetings are held around the clock. Donations are collected at most meetings to cover basic expenses like room rental and coffee.

Related Topics

Calculating the Value of Rehab

The value of successful recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism is hard to estimate. When you compare the costs of rehab to the costs of addiction — losing your job, getting arrested, being seriously injured, getting divorced or being separated from your children — the cost of treatment seems minimal. Ninety days of treatment may make the difference between finding peace in sobriety or losing your life in a fatal overdose or accident.

In a study of the cost-effectiveness of rehab, the Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania found that substance abuse treatment can benefit the individual in a number of important ways:

  • Improves physical health, reducing the costs of medical care
  • Improves social function, making it easier to hold down jobs and maintain lasting relationships
  • Reduces the rate of crime, which benefits society as well as the individual
  • Prevents future substance abuse, especially when comprehensive aftercare services are provided

At Michael’s House, we’re committed to helping those who seek recovery find a way to get the care they need. Contact us for information about how you can overcome drugs and alcohol in a secure, safe environment that supports long-term recovery.