Understanding the cost of Addiction and Rehab

Understanding the Cost of Addiction and  Rehab

The Cost of Addiction

In the long run, rehab is not nearly as expensive as drug and alcohol addiction. Alcohol and drug users are more likely to skip work and switch jobs more often than sober individuals, which has a negative impact on income. The price of drugs, legal problems, health issues and loss of productivity at work all add up over time.

An alcoholic who drinks a 12-pack a day consistently for a year spends over $3,000. This cost doesn’t include potential legal issues that can cost thousands more. It’s harder to estimate the price of illicit drug addiction, but it can be much higher.

Like  a physician who loses his license

Some former heroin users have reported spending tens of thousands of dollars on their addiction.

The financial costs of addiction are only part of the equation. They don’t include the personal costs on relationships and a meaningful life.

The cost of addiction treatment varies between each center. Some programs are free while some cost thousands of dollars a day. No matter your budget, there is a center for you. The opportunity to heal is accessible to anyone if they know what resources can help them. There are also people who can help you find a way to pay for treatment as soon as possible.

Most rehabs offer financial aid, accept insurance or have financing options.

Insurance is one of the most common ways of paying for rehab. The amount insurance covers depends on the insurer and what the health provider accepts.

Types of insurance that may cover addiction care include:

• Medicaid
• Medicare
• State-financed health insurance
• Private insurance
• Military insurance

Not everyone has insurance, but there are still ways to get the help you or a loved one deserves. One way is to look for a free or low-income center. The other is to look into programs that offer financing options. Financing is often a better choice because free rehabs often have limited funding and waiting lists.

Many inpatient rehabs offer financing options for those without insurance.

Some people may be anxious to take on debt, but it’s important to view addiction rehab as an investment. Over time it pays off. Getting sober gives people the tools to get their life and career on track. Recovered addicts are also able to save more because they aren’t spending on drugs or alcohol.

Types of Addiction Treatment and Costs

The type of care offered by a rehab affects the total cost of getting sober. Treatment types are also different for some addictions. There are many other factors that affect the cost of rehab, from medical care to amenities. The following estimates are based on costs reported by studies and individual facilities.

Detox	Outpatient detox ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 in total. Most inpatient rehabs include detox in the cost of a program. The exact cost of detox depends on whether it’s part of an inpatient program and the type of drug addiction being treated. Substances with dangerous detox side effects require more careful monitoring, making the price higher.
Inpatient Rehab	Some inpatient rehabs may cost around $6,000 for a 30-day program. Well-known centers often cost up to $20,000 for a 30-day program. For those requiring 60- or 90-day programs, the total average of costs could range anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000.
Outpatient Rehab	Outpatient programs for mild to moderate addictions are cheaper than inpatient rehab. Many cost $5,000 for a three-month program. Some outpatient programs, such as the program at Hazelden Betty Ford, cost $10,000. The price tag depends on how often the individual visits the center each week and for how long.
Medications	The type of treatment and medications needed affects the price tag on rehab. Some people don’t need medication for their addiction. Medications most often treat alcohol and opiate addiction. It can cost several thousand dollars a year. Year-long methadone treatment for heroin users costs around $4,700.

What Factors Into the Cost of Addiction Treatment?

There are several factors that affect the cost of rehab. Some of the predominant factors include:

• Type of Center

  There is a big divide in the price of inpatient and outpatient programs. The costs of inpatient programs are higher because the costs of housing and intensive care are higher.
  The cost of these programs also depends on the length of the program and location. A center in a state with a higher cost of living, like California, can be more expensive.

• Treatments Offered

  Some people don’t need medical detox when they start rehab. Cocaine users usually don’t experience dangerous withdrawals when they stop using, so there is no technical detox other than being monitored. But alcohol and heroin users often experience intense withdrawals during detox and usually need medication.
  Those requiring more medical care tend to pay more for rehab. Certain therapies like professional counseling also affect how much you could pay.

• Amenities

  The amenities offered by a rehab don’t come for free. Amenities may include massages, acupuncture, swimming pools, tennis courts, large individual rooms or award-winning chefs. Luxury rehabs typically frequented by the rich and famous are expensive because of amenities.
  Luxury centers can cost tens of thousands of dollars per month. While most rehabs aren’t this expensive, more amenities mean a higher price tag.