With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% Coinsurance
Without Health Insurance: $2,000-$50,000+
Drug or alcohol rehab programs are typically used for patients who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Rehab programs are inpatient or outpatient and can last 90 days or more.
Typical costs:
Group health insurance plans typically cover drug or alcohol rehab, but many individually purchased plans do not, or offer it only through a rider than can be added to the policy. For patients with health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs for drug or alcohol rehab include copays and/or coinsurance of 10%-50%. However, some plans cover treatment at 100% after the deductible is met. Some plans have a limit on the number of days or dollar amount per year, but the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act[1] mandates that these limits now can be no more restrictive than the limits each plan places on physical health services such as doctor visits, surgery and physical therapy.
For patients without health insurance, drug or alcohol rehab typically starts at more than $2,000 for an outpatient program of up to 60 days and can cost $6,000 to almost $30,000 for a 30-day inpatient or residential program and from about $16,000-$50,000 or more for a 90-day inpatient or residential program. For example, Austin Recovery Treatment Center[2] in Texas charges $2,595 for a six-week outpatient program, and the Betty Ford Center[3] in California charges $4,960 for an eight-week outpatient program. CASA Recovery[4] in California charges $5,800 for a 30-day residential program -- or $7,800 with the addition of psychotherapy and massage therapy, while the Austin Recovery Treatment Center charges $6,600, Illinois Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers[5] charges $9,500, and the Betty Ford Center charges $27,900 for a 30-day inpatient program. The Austin Recovery Treatment Center charges $16,200 for a 90-day residential program, while Illinois Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers charges $22,500 and the Betty Ford Center charges $49,950.
Many facilities offer additional treatment time if needed. For example, Seabrook House[6] , with facilities in New York and Pennsylvania, charges $27,200 for a 90-day inpatient program and offers additional treatment time at $8,500 per month.
After a thorough physical examination and a clinical assessment that will include questions about the substance being abused, the facility staff then puts together a personalized treatment plan with specific goals.
Patients who are physically dependent on a drug typically will then undergo several days of detoxification -- a supervised withdrawal that often involves taking medication to help ease symptoms such as shaking, nausea and hallucinations. Drugs for which detox might be required include alcohol, heroin and some prescription medications, such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Xanax. It is not required for cocaine or marijuana.
A treatment plan typically includes individual counseling, group therapy and practice in sober living. In inpatient or residential treatment, the patient will live in a hospital or residential treatment facility setting, and typically will be restricted in activities, ability to leave the facility and contact with friends or family.
Many facilities base their programs on the 12 steps[7] to recovery first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous, which are based on belief in a higher power and the idea that the individual has no control over the addiction. Other treatment centers specify that they are non-12-step facilities, and emphasize individual choices/control and the use of tools such as anti-craving medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a brochure on substance abuse treatment.
Additional costs:
Continuing care often is recommended after treatment. For example, the Betty Ford Center[8] offers therapeutic aftercare for a $95 initial assessment and then $40 per session/week.
After completion of treatment, some patients choose to move into a communal sober living facility. Rent averages about $800 per month, according to TreatmentTalk.org.
Discounts:
Some drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers provide financial aid to patients who could not otherwise afford treatment. For example, Caron Treatment Centers[9] in Pennsylvania offers many scholarships of about $1,300- $7,000.
Shopping for drug or alcohol rehab:
The U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration offers a substance abuse treatment facility locator[10] .
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers a state-by-state review[11] of requirements for rehab facilities and addiction/substance abuse professionals. Some facilities also seek accreditation from a national organization such as the Joint Commission[12] , a non-profit organization that inspects and accredits health care facilities.
EverydayHealth.com offers a doctor-reviewed list of questions to ask before deciding on a treatment facility[13] , and the Federal Trade Commission offers tips for parents[14] who are considering sending their adolescent to a residential facility.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Starting methadone clinic is the best thing I could have done for myself. They are so understanding and easy to talk to where I go. As someone who has tried cold turkey, NA, suboxone etc.. I highly recommend methadone treatment.
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