The cost of rehabilitation can be intimidating. It can even cause you to delay getting help.
Sometimes, where you live can actually help you in terms of rehab costs. Generally, states that have lower average living costs have rehab options that are less expensive.
In other cases, the cost of treatment could be so burdensome that it may even be worth seeking help out of state.
The cost of treatment can vary greatly depending on the facility you decide to go to, as fees for services are not standardized.
Insurance may cover a bulk of the costs, but you’ll need to make sure you work with a provider that accepts your insurance. You’ll also need to clarify beforehand precisely how much will be covered.
Variables Affecting the Cost of Treatment
The type of treatment you receive has a direct impact on the cost of treatment. Treatments include:
Outpatient Care
You still live at home while you receive this kind of treatment. These programs have limited hours and do not have staff that is on call 24 hours per day. As a result, they are less expensive than inpatient treatment.
Inpatient Care
You live in a facility that offers your care. They usually have medical and support staff available or on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The facility will also provide you with food and lodging.
If you need medications, these will factor into your overall cost. For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse mentions that those who have abused heroin or prescription painkillers may require medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- The average cost for a year’s worth of methadone maintenance alone is $4,700 per person.
- Methadone treatment along with psychosocial support can cost $6,552 per year, or $126 per week if you must visit a clinic every day.
- Naltrexone administration can cost an average of $1,176.50 per month, or $14,112 when including additional support systems.
- Buprenorphine treatment can cost $5,980 per year or $115 for individuals who visit a clinic twice per week.
For other substances, medication treatment costs can vary.
The average reported cost of a treatment center is $3,800, but this takes low-cost or free programs into account, including programs subsidized by state or federal agencies.
Additional factors that can affect what you pay for your treatment are:
Length of Treatment
All rehab facilities conduct an assessment to take your individual needs into account. After this, you will receive recommendations for how long your treatment should last.
People who attend rehab because of a court order usually receive their recommendation then, but they can still choose not to take part in treatment.
The first step of treatment will always involve detox and management of withdrawal. This can last between three to five days or up to two weeks for some people. Rehab begins after the detox period.
Longer times in treatment will be more expensive, but they are associated with fewer instances of relapse.
- Location. A rehab facility in an urban area may cost less than a treatment center near the beach or in a remote area. Luxury facilities are often situated in beautiful settings, like in the mountains or on the water, and the location is a factor in the higher costs.
- Amenities. Average prices for a luxury program are $20,000 to $80,000 per month. Additional items may bring your costs to $120,000 per month. Luxury amenities can include spa treatments, alternative therapies, gourmet meals, and massage therapy.
Most Expensive States
The area where you live can affect the cost of your rehab treatment.
In 2018, CNBC Reported That These are the Most Expensive States to Live In:
- Hawaii
- California
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
The analysis mentions a few things that might make it hard to afford treatment, even if you look for outpatient services.
For example, the average cost of visiting a dentist in Massachusetts is twice as much as in cities in the Deep South.
There is a housing shortage in California. Apartments in the San Francisco Bay Area can cost about $4,000 per month to rent. As a result, treatment at inpatient facilities in the area may be more expensive.
Housing is also competitive in Hawaii, where utility bills are unusually high. While the state is surrounded by beaches, everyday items like sugar are more expensive than in other states. This can add to the overall cost of services in the state, including rehab.
Least Expensive States
CNBC also outlined the cheapest states to live in.
Treatment in These States May Be More Affordable Due to the Reduced Cost of Living. The Least Expensive States in the United States Are:
- Mississippi
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Indiana
The report looked at the same variables as it did for expensive states, including the cost of housing, basic common groceries, and utility bills.
What if Treatment is Still Unaffordable?
For many reasons, you may feel like you cannot afford treatment, even if you live in one the least expensive states in the country. There are still options available to you.
- Obtain specific insurance information. Insurance is your best bet to offset the costs of drug rehab. Contact your provider and get details on what will most reduce your out-of-pocket costs
- Ask about payment options. Some inpatient facilities may have options to help make treatment possible, such as sliding-scale fees or other assistance.
- Find state-sponsored programs. These programs often involve waiting lists, so they may not be a good option if you need immediate treatment.
The programs are funded by state and federal funds. Though they are often the subject of budget cuts, they can be a useful resource if you have been in contact with the criminal justice system or have a referral.
What All Treatment Facilities Should Offer
Regardless of Cost, Most Treatment Facilities and Programs Offer the Same Essential Services. These Are:
- Detox services. This is often the first step in rehab if you are physically dependent on a substance of abuse.
- A physical facility. This will look different depending on what you need and can afford, but there will be offices and living quarters for people who choose inpatient programs.
- Drug and alcohol education. Every treatment center educates people differently. The main goal of education is to recognize your drug use, how it affects others, and how substance abuse affects your health and virtually all aspects of your life.
- Family involvement. Some centers will include your family and loved ones throughout the entire rehab process, while others involve them later on after you have found some footing in recovery.
The goal is to help your loved ones learn about how drug addiction works, teach them how to best support you and teach you how your drug use has affected those who love you.
Therapy
Usually, you will receive both individual and group therapy.
Individual therapy is meant to teach you the skills you need to live a sober life.
Group therapy can be a source of mutual learning and support with people who are going through the same things you are.
Aftercare
After an inpatient program or intensive outpatient program, a comprehensive aftercare program is crucial to help you avoid relapse. You may move into a sober living home, attend 12-step meetings, or see your therapist on a regular basis. Additional activities that promote overall wellness, such as an exercise program, may be part of your aftercare plan.
