Addiction treatment is healthcare, and the treatment costs with healthcare can often keep a person from seeking rehab for alcohol or drug addiction. In a lot of cases, insurance coverage can alleviate the total cost of healthcare and make it easier to cover the cost of treating drug and alcohol addiction.
But not everyone has insurance. Because of that, some people will have to cover the cost of alcohol and drug addiction treatment entirely out of pocket.
So, how much does rehab cost without insurance?
How Much is Rehab Without Health Insurance?
Without health insurance coverage, addiction rehab and mental health treatment can be quite expensive. However, the total cost of care at a treatment center can vary based on the specific center. Like other services, rehab facilities have different tiers.
The cost of addiction treatment will also vary based on the specific type of treatment that a person is seeking. Inpatient detox will not cost the same as residential treatment, which will not cost the same as outpatient programs.
Inpatient treatment facilities for addiction and mental health can cost as little as $6,000 for a 30-day program. However, there are some rehab centers that can cost as much as $20,000. There are even some luxury addiction treatment centers whose inpatient programs can charge far more than the average cost of alcohol and drug rehab.
Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment Programs?
Inpatient rehab should be covered by health insurance. Mental health and substance abuse treatment are healthcare, and insurance providers are required to provide coverage for them. However, insurance plans can vary, so how much coverage a person gets can depend on the specific plan a person avails of.
How to Pay for Rehab Treatment Without Insurance?
There are ways to cover the cost of drug or alcohol treatment without insurance. The most prominent way is to cover the cost of a rehab program entirely out of pocket. Some people may have tens of thousands of dollars lying around, but that’s not the case for everybody.
Some inpatient rehab facilities offer staggered payment plans for their treatment programs. This can make paying for treatment much easier for some people as they pay it off little by little instead of all at once. However, this medical debt can take years to pay off and may affect a person’s credit score.
Speaking of debt, borrowing money from friends and family can get a person the intensive treatment they need. This comes with the advantage of not potentially affecting other aspects of a person’s financial health, as there isn’t always documentation or interest on these loans.
In some cases, there are nonprofit organizations that can help people seeking treatment cover the cost of inpatient and outpatient rehab. However, these organisations can sometimes be selective over the people they assist as they may have limited resources.
Should I Pay For Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Despite how much drug and alcohol treatment may cost, it may be an unavoidable expense for a lot of people. While it can be expensive, the cost of not getting treatment is much more dire.
Between 2003 and 2023, the age-adjusted drug overdose death rate went from 8.9 per 100,000 people to 31.3, with more than 105,000 people dying of overdose in 2023 alone. Overdose deaths occur when a person doesn’t get the treatment they need to get control of their substance use.
But, overdose deaths are not the only consequence of letting a substance use disorder go unaddressed. Many people can develop mental health disorders or find existing disorders worsen as a result of their addiction.
There are also social and legal effects to not getting treatment. Many people, when under the influence of substances, can become less inhibited, making them more likely to engage in reckless or even illegal behavior such as driving under the influence.
The social consequences can include family and friends distancing themselves. These strained relationships are why many treatment plans include family therapy in their approaches.
The physical health consequences of not getting treatment also need to be understood. Addiction can lead to long-term health consequences, and managing these consequences can cost more in the long term than getting rehab treatment.
Is There Free Addiction Treatment Available?
There are free or low-cost treatment options available. Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer free services to support people through alcohol or drug addiction, respectively. However, in many cases, these fellowships complement rehab instead of replacing it.
Some charities also offer support services, with some going as far as to offer low-cost or even free residential care for those seeking addiction treatment. These facilities may have limited space, and their approach may be faith-based.
Government offices may offer some support for mental health and substance use. However, the scope of these services can be limited and may not be as effective as private inpatient rehab.
Understanding The Cost Of Rehab
There are numerous factors that can impact the cost of rehab. For inpatient treatment, the length of a person’s stay in the facility can be a major determining factor. People who stay for 60 or 90 days will pay more than those who stay for a 30-day program.
Speaking of addiction treatment services, the team that administers this treatment will be a major factor in how much a facility charges. Mental health and addiction specialists must be paid a salary commensurate with their specialized skills.
The facility itself will also determine treatment pricing. Facilities with high-end amenities will charge more for their services, especially in areas with high living costs, such as upscale neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas.
Seek Treatment Now
How much does rehab cost without insurance? Treatment for substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders can cost quite a lot. But, as previously mentioned, the cost of not getting treatment can be even higher.
So, it may be best to reframe the cost of treatment not as a medical expense but as an investment in a sober life.
At Luxe Recovery, we’ll help you find a path toward a life wherein addiction doesn’t control you.
