Many people think of addiction treatment as “expensive” without knowing any details about it, which can lead to those who need help not getting the care they need. Unfortunately, people with substance use disorders who don’t get help often end up paying a much higher price than rehab could ever cost.

The truth is that there are many, many ways to pay for rehab, and there are also ways to keep the cost down by choosing effective but not fancy treatment and focusing on programs that are in your health insurance plan’s network.

Think of it this way. When you buy a car, you’re really looking for a vehicle that will get you from one place to another. But that doesn’t mean everyone buys the most inexpensive sedan. There are different types of cars, add-ons, comfort features, and more that matter to certain buyers.

Rehab is similar. There are broadly two types of rehab: residential and outpatient. However, within those categories, different programs will have various amenities, extras, unique approaches, and other elements that affect the price.

Understanding what factors impact the cost of treatment can be helpful, but don’t let it stop you from getting the care you need. Choosing the wrong program simply because it’s cheaper can result in ineffective treatment, and you may end up in substance use again. Starting over is definitely more expensive than getting the right care the first time.

How Much Does Inpatient Rehab Cost?

Inpatient addiction treatment, also known as residential rehab, allows you to focus entirely on your recovery without any outside distractions or temptations. It can be an essential first step toward long-term recovery because it removes you from your normal environment and allows you to start fresh with new mindsets, habits, and activities.

However, because inpatient treatment includes living at the facility for between 30 and 90 days, it is more expensive than other treatment options. Again, that doesn’t make it bad. If you need inpatient care, get it, and look for ways to make it more affordable.

What Makes Inpatient Treatment More Expensive?

When you look at different inpatient treatment options, the most important factor in making it affordable is ensuring that the program is within your insurance plan’s provider network. In-network treatment will have much lower costs to you, such as deductibles or copayments.

The length of the program is also important. Inpatient treatment is usually 30, 60, or 90 days. Longer programs are more expensive, but if that’s what it takes to actually achieve long-term recovery, it’s more than worth it.

Beyond that, the adage “you get what you pay for” is often true for addiction treatment programs. The more amenities, unique treatment options, privacy features, and services they offer above the basics, the more pricey they tend to be.

Some of the extras programs may offer include:

• Semi-private or private rooms
• Chef-prepared meals
• Unique holistic therapies, such as equine or other animal-assisted therapy, art and music therapy, or experiential therapy
• Recreation options such as a swimming pool, well-equipped gym, or frequent outings
• 24/7 access to medical professionals
• Spa services
• A scenic setting, such as being near a beach or in the mountains
• A large campus
• A higher staff-to-client ratio or fewer clients at a time
• Additional services such as vocational training, job placement, and education support

The best way to choose a rehab is to determine which features matter most to you and ensure the program you select has them.

How Much Does Outpatient Rehab Cost?

Because you live at home or in a sober living facility while you attend outpatient rehab, the price of these programs is lower than inpatient or residential treatment. However, that also makes it easier to relapse if you’re not ready, so make sure you choose the program that’s going to be most effective for you, not just the cheapest.

There are multiple levels of outpatient care, generally defined by the number of hours a week you receive treatment. Naturally, the more hours of treatment there are, the more expensive it is. There may also be extra amenities that cause a program to cost more, similar to inpatient treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Program Costs (PHP)

The most intensive outpatient programs are PHPs. They often operate as full-time day programs, where you receive treatment six to eight hours per day and then live at home or in a sober living house outside of treatment.

The basic services provided in a PHP are similar to an inpatient program. If the PHP includes specialty meals, frequent outings, a fully equipped gym, or other amenities, it’s likely to cost more than similar programs.

Intensive Outpatient Program Costs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs often involve between nine and 15 hours of treatment per week. This gives you more flexibility to work or attend school outside of treatment. However, with the additional freedom comes additional temptation, so it’s important to ensure you are stable enough in your new lifestyle to manage that.

With fewer treatment hours comes a lower cost, and you’re less likely to encounter pricey extras as well. Treatment tends to be more focused on the essentials, such as individual and group therapy, help with coping skills, emotional management, and other life skills, and relapse prevention planning. You may also be connected to recovery group meetings, housing support, and other social services.

General Outpatient Costs

A general outpatient program is the least intensive type of care, often meeting one to three hours per week. This is also the least expensive addiction treatment option. It’s best for those who are well-established in their recovery and have a strong support network, which might include 12-step or other recovery programs, a strong sober friend group, and frequent sober activities.

During general outpatient treatment, you have the most flexibility to work or attend school full-time and maintain your daily routines.

Continuing Addiction Has the Highest Cost of All

Some people who struggle with addiction are nervous about the cost of treatment, but they don’t realize how expensive it is to continue in addiction.

Consider just a few of these financial costs:

• The amount spent on substances each day
• The cost of healthcare for illnesses caused by substance use
• Missing time at work
• Losing your job due to poor performance
• Legal problems that can result in jail time and thousands of dollars in fines and fees

And unlike treatment, where the most expensive parts are over in less than a year, the cost of addiction continues forever and actually increases over time.

Not only does treatment give you the fresh start you deserve and the chance to build a life you truly enjoy, but it’s far less expensive than continuing in addiction!

There is a Treatment Program for Your Budget

There are many ways to pay for rehab, and there are also ways to choose a treatment program that meets your needs and matches your budget. High-quality state rehabs might be free for those who qualify for Medicaid, and private rehabs in your insurance plan’s network might be very affordable once insurance covers their portion.

How do you find the right program? Let us help. Search for centers in your area on this website, or give us a call anytime, day or night. We’re here to help you build a happy, healthy, substance-free life.