Entering rehab can be a struggle for drug addicts. Some may not be ready to kick their habits, while some are scared of what happens inside the facility. Unfortunately, many people refuse to enter rehab due to financial problems. It can be quite expensive, after all.
If this is one of the reasons why you or your loved one refuse to enter rehab, then here’s everything you need to know about treatment costs – and how you may be able to afford them.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates the following as the cost for opioid dependency treatment:
1. $126 A Week Or $6,552 A Year
According to NIDA, this amount for Methadone treatment covers psychosocial and medical support, as well as the needed medication.
2. $115 A Week Or $5,980 A Year
This is the cost that a stable patient needs to pay for in a certified opioid treatment program (OTP) with twice-weekly visits. This includes Buprenorphine treatment and other medications.
3. $1,176.50 Per Month Or $14,112 A Year
This is the cost of an OTP program with Naloxone administration and other related services.
How Much Does Rehab Cost?
Addiction treatment range in price, depending on the intensiveness of treatment, duration of stay, to name a few. Generally, here are the costs that come with various treatments:
Detox
Some people can stop taking drugs immediately, but that’s not always the case. Heroin and prescription who attempt to do this often experience withdrawal. This comes with very unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, cramps, insomnia, and muscle soreness, to name a few.
To ease these withdrawal symptoms, addicts must undergo a process called detoxification. This is best done in facilities that offer medical detox services. The average cost for this is $250 to $850 a day for a 30-day regimen.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment comes in two forms: long-term and short-term.
Short-Term
This treatment provides brief yet intensive interventions that follow a 12-step approach. It was previously used to treat alcoholism, though it is now widely recommended for substance use disorders.
Short-term treatment may last for 3 to 6 weeks. This is then followed by outpatient therapy in self-help groups. Cost may vary from $2,000 to $20,000.
Long-Term
This form of residential treatment provides care for 24 hours a day. This is often done outside the hospital in areas known as therapeutic communities. This provides structured treatments that examine the patient’s beliefs and how he/she can adopt more constructive views in life.
True to its name, long-term treatment can last for 6 to 12 months. As such, its cost is often double the price of short-term residential treatment.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is recommended for addicts with jobs and strong support systems. This usually focuses on group counseling, though it may involve treatment for co-occurring problems as well.
The cost of outpatient treatment is about $5,000 for three months of service. However, some facilities bill as much as $10,000.
Intensive Outpatient Rehab
While outpatient rehab is more permissive than residential treatment, there is a more in-depth form of outpatient care called intensive day treatment. This may include three-hour appointments set multiple times a week. Its benefits are said to be comparable to that of checking in a residential facility.
The price of intensive outpatient therapy ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for a 30-day regimen.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Also known as a day program, this treatment regimen covers intensive treatment without requiring the patient to stay in a facility. It features services such as medical monitoring, behavioral therapy, individual counseling, group therapy, support group services, and art therapy, to name a few.
Partial hospitalization treatment costs about $350 to $450 a day.
Paying for Rehab
1. Insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, private insurance companies now cover the cost of mental health treatment. This includes the fees of going to rehab. Medicaid and Medicare cover some aspects of drug treatment as well.
2. Financing
Many treatment facilities offer financing programs for their patients. Some loan companies specialize in this kind of financing as well.
3. Scholarships
Just like going to school, addicts who wish to enroll in treatment may receive scholarships for treatment. Some facilities have their scholarship programs, though there are several non-profit organizations and private companies that provide the same incentives.
Unfortunately, not all applicants can receive such a scholarship. The chances of getting this bursary are much higher in the following people:
- Patients who have exhausted all types of financing options available
- Underinsured individuals
- People who need treatment that their insurance won’t cover
- Patients who demonstrate a commitment towards recovery
Affordable Rehab Programs
It is no secret that rehab treatment can be costly. However, deferring your treatment due to financial problems may cost you more in the long run. For one, it can be harder to treat a patient who has been using drugs for so long.
As such, you should consider enrolling in free or low-cost rehab programs. While the line may be long, it is worth the wait.
Here are some affordable rehab programs you could try:
State-Funded Free Drug Rehab
Many states provide rehab services for citizens who have low to no income. These centers have several requirements, including proof of state residence, proof of no income and insurance, legal residence status in the US, and proof of addiction status and need for treatment. Depending on the state, it may require other documents as well.
More info regarding state-funded rehab can be found here.
Faith-Based Rehab
Some religious organizations offer drug rehab for free. For example, an Orthodox Jewish organization offers the Chabad program in California. Another resource group is JACS, a Jewish-run program in New York.
Depending on the organizing party, the treatment may include religious motivation, counseling, 12-step support, or peer group programs.
Conclusion
As rehab treatments differ in programs, their costs range in price too. Granted that outpatient rehab is cheaper than inpatient treatment, it should not be the primary reason for you to choose the former. You may end up relapsing in the long run, which will warrant the need for costly treatment once again. As such, it’s best to go for your physician’s recommendation, as this is often the best match for your current state.
- How Long Does Alcoholism Take to Kill You? - March 27, 2021
- How to Process the Death of a Loved One to Addiction - March 23, 2021
- How Does Sobriety Affect Relationships? - March 20, 2021