The Cost Of Rehab Vs. The Cost Of Addiction

Over 20 million Americans live with substance use disorder (drug addiction). Many of them don’t seek treatment, often due to the cost of rehab programs. 

Most addiction treatment programs cost between $5,000 and $30,000. While high, the cost of rehab does not outweigh the costs of untreated addiction, which include relationship damage, financial troubles, job loss, legal issues, and life-threatening health concerns.

The Cost Of Rehab

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab varies. Some programs are free, while others cost thousands of dollars per day. The exact price depends on multiple factors, including length of stay, level of care, types of treatment, amenities, and your health insurance plan. 

Length Of Stay

The amount of time you spend in rehab depends on the severity of your addiction. An average 30-day program typically costs between $5,000 and $30,000. If you require a longer stay, you will likely pay more.  

Level Of Care

Some rehab centers offer inpatient treatment (also called residential treatment), while others offer outpatient treatment. 

Inpatient programs provide 24/7 care and supervision. They are usually recommended for people with moderate-to-severe addictions, co-occurring mental health conditions, or unstable homes. 

As the most comprehensive level of care, inpatient treatment generally costs more than outpatient treatment. 

In an outpatient program, you regularly visit a treatment center while living at home. The amount of times you visit the center depends on the type of outpatient care you receive. There are three main types:

• partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which involve treatment most days of the week
• intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which involve treatment multiple days a week
• standard outpatient programs (OPs), which involve treatment at least once a week

In general, PHPs are the most expensive, while OPs are the least expensive. 

Types Of Treatment

Whether inpatient or outpatient, most rehab programs offer a wide variety of treatments. Some treatments cost more than others. 

For example, rehab programs that include medical detox tend to be more expensive. During medical detox, doctors help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you get drugs out of your system.

You will also likely pay more for rehab if you need medication-assisted treatment (MAT). During MAT, doctors prescribe medications to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opioid or alcohol addiction. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MAT for opioid addiction typically costs around $120 per week.

Finally, you might face higher costs if you need dual diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis treatment program addresses addiction as well as other mental health concerns, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

Amenities

Many drug addiction treatment facilities offer a number of amenities to boost your overall wellness. These amenities may include:

• gyms
• pools
• walking trails, gardens, or other outdoor spaces
• recreation rooms 
• classes in yoga, meditation, or other wellness activities

Luxury rehab programs provide more amenities than traditional rehab programs. That’s why they’re usually much more expensive.

Health Insurance

Most rehab facilities accept health insurance, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. To determine how much coverage you will receive, contact your insurance provider.  

If you don’t have health insurance, you can look for other ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For instance, you could ask loved ones for help, start an online fundraiser, or check if the facility offers payment plans.

The Cost Of Addiction

The cost of untreated addiction far outweighs the cost of even the most expensive rehab program. By avoiding treatment, you risk relationship damage, financial troubles, job loss, legal issues, and life-threatening health concerns. 

Relationship Damage

When battling addiction, you may lie, steal, or engage in other behaviors that harm your family and friends. In addition, some addictive drugs can make you irritable or aggressive. You may also withdraw from your loved ones or replace them with other people who misuse drugs. 

All of these issues can take a serious toll on your relationships, especially your relationships with your kids. Studies show that children of people with untreated addiction face an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. They may even develop addictions of their own.

Financial Troubles

Many people with addiction spend thousands of dollars per year on drugs. Some of the most expensive drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone. However, even much cheaper drugs can quickly cause financial ruin if you use them on a regular basis. 

Job Loss

Addiction makes it difficult to concentrate on anything besides drugs. As a result, you may fall behind at work or even stop showing up. That’s why many people with addiction experience job loss, leading to even greater financial ruin and, in some cases, homelessness. 

Legal Issues

Addiction may lead to a variety of criminal behaviors, such as:

• driving while intoxicated
• trespassing
• vandalism
• stealing
• buying or selling illegal drugs
• assault

These behaviors can have serious consequences, including large fines and prison time. 

Health Concerns

Depending on the drugs you use, addiction can lead to numerous health problems. For example, people with alcohol addiction face an increased risk of liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. 

Similarly, meth addiction can lead to lung disease, heart attack, and permanent brain damage. Also, no matter what drugs you use, addiction poses a high risk of life-threatening overdose.  

If you or someone you love struggles with drug use, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based treatment options to help you or your loved one thrive.