Getting help to maintain sobriety is one of the most life-saving and life-changing decisions someone can make. Sadly, not everyone can enroll in rehab and start treatment right away because of one barrier – finances. The hesitation spirals: from “How much does rehab cost?” to “Will I have enough to cover my bills while I’m gone?” and sometimes, unfortunately, “Is getting help even worth it?“
Addiction is expensive – and simply paying for the treatment you need can be one of the most frustrating aspects of recovery. But it’s not impossible. Fortunately, there are multiple ways people can finance addiction treatment and explore insurance coverage options for rehab.
Rehab costs vary significantly based on multiple factors, from the type of treatment facility you choose to your insurance coverage. Understanding these costs upfront can help you and your loved ones make informed decisions about the recovery journey ahead without letting financial concerns become a barrier to getting help.
Whether you have comprehensive insurance, limited coverage, or no insurance at all, treatment options exist within your reach. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about rehab costs for alcohol and drugs, insurance coverage, and financial assistance programs that can make recovery accessible and sobriety obtainable.
So, how much does rehab cost? 4 factors that determine the price
There’s no easy way to calculate how much you’ll pay for addiction treatment without factoring in certain elements ahead of time. From the level of care you need to the type of substance you’re using (and the withdrawal symptoms that go along with it), no two people’s rehab journey will ever be – or ever cost – the same.
To estimate how much your rehab stay might cost with and without insurance coverage, consider these four factors:
- The type of treatment facility
- Geographic location
- Length of stay
- Types of medical care, services, and amenities offered
1. The type of treatment facility
The biggest cost differentiator lies in choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient facilities provide 24-hour medical supervision and housing, which naturally costs more than outpatient programs where you return home each day.
As of 2025, the cost of the most affordable inpatient addiction treatment program starts at $6k a month, while outpatient treatment costs roughly $5k for a 3-month program.
Luxury rehab centers with resort-like amenities command premium prices, with for-profit luxury facilities easily costing in the tens of thousands of dollars per month. Standard facilities, however, focus primarily on medical care and therapy, and many operate as non-profit or state-run rehab centers with lower monthly costs.
2. Geographic location
Treatment costs vary dramatically across different regions. Certain states have higher overall treatment costs generally due to:
- Inflation
- Cost of living
- Lack of financial assistance
For example, rehab facilities in California generally cost more than similar programs in the Midwest or South. That’s because research shows that in states like California, only minimal financial assistance is available to participants.
According to research from National Health Ratings:
- Hawaii offers the most financial assistance to clients, with nearly 85% of its substance use treatment facilities offering some assistance.
- In the Midwest (Oklahoma, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Missouri) 62% to 75% of these states’ facilities provide financial help.
- Only about 2 in 5 facilities in California offer treatment for free or with minimal fees.
- Only 37% of facilities in Florida offer aid.
- Less than one in four Minnesota facilities offer assistance.
In short, if you’re planning on visiting a facility, make sure you know ahead of time what the state’s cost of living and financial assistance policies are for addiction treatment.
3. Length of stay
Most insurance plans cover 30-day programs, but some people need 60, 90, or even longer treatment periods. Extended stays significantly increase total costs, meaning if you need to attend medical detox first, such as with alcohol rehab, followed by inpatient care, and then longer-term outpatient care… you’ll probably pay more.
Now, if you anticipate a long rehab stay, you might be asking yourself, “How much does rehab cost with insurance for more than 90 days of treatment?”
While insurance plans will vary, the good news is that per the Affordable Care Act, marketplace plans can’t place annual or lifetime dollar limits on coverage of any essential health benefit, including mental health and addiction treatment. This means your insurance plan should provide coverage for rehab treatment, even if it exceeds 90 days.
However, there may still be out-of-pocket costs associated with an extended stay in rehab, like:
- Deductibles
- Co-insurance
- Co-payments
- Additional services not covered by your insurance plan, like holistic treatment
Carefully review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what you may be responsible for.
4. Types of medical care, services, and amenities offered
Basic treatment programs often include:
- Detox (monitored inpatient or with the help of medication on an outpatient basis)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling focused on addiction recovery
More in-depth programs might add specialized therapies like equine therapy, art therapy, dual-diagnosis treatment, PTSD therapy, or family counseling. Even more services are offered at luxury facilities, which often include amenities like private rooms, gourmet meals, spa services, and recreational activities.
Unfortunately, even if you opt for basic treatment or don’t require intensive therapy, you might still find yourself paying for necessary additional services. For example, a study from the National Institutes of Health found that adolescents, who often need specialized addiction treatment for drugs and alcohol, have to pay more for treatment than adults would.
But even if the cost of specialized services is higher than basic care, it’s never a good idea to skimp on treatment for addiction. If you need dual-diagnosis care – get it. If you need PTSD treatment – get it. Specialized care is an investment that will pay off with better chances of recovery and sobriety.
What are the average costs of different rehab programs?
Of all of the key factors listed above, perhaps the biggest and most influential on your finances is the type of facility/drug rehab program you choose – inpatient or outpatient. Of course, whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment depends on the severity of your addiction.
Inpatient treatment is a great choice for people with more severe addiction, since it provides a more controlled, intensive, and structured recovery environment. However, research also shows that for some people, outpatient programs like intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) can be just as effective as inpatient programs.
Let’s take a look at how much does rehab cost depending on which type of program you choose.
Medical detox for substances like alcohol
Not everyone will need medical detox, a process that helps someone control their withdrawal symptoms after they stop using. But, for certain substances, medical detox is all but necessary.
If you’re wondering how much alcohol rehab costs, for instance, chances are you’ll need to factor in medical detox services. That’s because alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to withdraw from, leading to issues like seizures, a dangerous condition called delirium tremens, and even dangerous heart arrythmias.
Medical detox typically ranges from $1,750 to $5,600 over the span of 7 days. The total cost for detox on an outpatient basis may cost around $1,000 per day.
Again, not everyone will need medical detox services before inpatient or outpatient treatment. But, if you’re using substances that can cause severe withdrawal, including alcohol or benzodiazepines, you might need to factor in the costs of detox.
Outpatient treatment programs
Outpatient programs offer the most affordable treatment option, ranging from $1,400 to $10,000 for a three-month program. The average cost per episode of treatment for standard outpatient care is around $2,228, while intensive outpatient treatment costs about $4,939.
These programs allow you to maintain your regular work and school routine while receiving treatment, making it a better choice for people with families and other financial responsibilities. But, if you feel you can’t complete a drug program without 24/7 monitoring and structure, inpatient treatment will always be a better option.
Inpatient treatment programs
Inpatient rehab costs vary widely based on facility type and amenities. Standard 30-day inpatient programs typically cost around $12.5k per episode of treatment. But, with more days added, additional medical detox, and luxury amenities, this price could easily go up.
Extended stays beyond 30 days are sometimes necessary and can also increase costs. According to price-adjusted inflation rates, 60 to 90 day programs average out to $36,000. Of course, it’s impossible to know how well you’ll do in inpatient treatment, when you’ll graduate your program, or if you’ll even need inpatient care.
The most important thing is to start exploring treatment options as soon as possible so you can see what works for you. It’s never a bad idea to start with outpatient or IOP and see how you’re feeling before jumping into a longer program.
Specialized treatment programs
Certain populations require specialized treatment approaches that affect pricing.
Adolescent treatment programs, executive rehab for professionals, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders, and gender-specific programs often carry premium pricing due to specialized staffing and programming requirements. Different rehabs will vary in cost, so make sure you get an estimated quote beforehand.
Again, the good news is that mental health services are also covered under the Affordable Care Act, which means that insurance can cover a portion of your treatment cost (even when it includes specialized programs).
How much does rehab cost with insurance?
Having insurance will make a huge difference when it comes time to pay for your rehab stay. The more coverage you have, be it from your primary insurance or additional benefits, the better.
Here’s a look at the types of insurance that can cover alcohol and drug rehab, and what you can expect to pay afterward.
Private insurance plans
Most private insurance plans cover addiction treatment, but coverage levels vary significantly. The best way to find out how much your plan will cover is by calling the number on your insurance card and speaking with an insurance representative.
Typically, private insurance plans will cover a percentage of the cost for inpatient rehab services, such as detox, therapy, and medication management. They may also cover outpatient treatment programs and follow-up care.
However, it’s important to note that there may be restrictions on the length of stay and types of treatment covered by your plan. Here are some of the many factors that you should consider when exploring how your insurance plan will pay for addiction treatment:
- Deductibles: Let’s say your insurance plan has a $1000 deductible. This means that you must pay the first $1000 of your medical expenses before your insurance coverage kicks in.
- Copayments: These are fixed amounts that you are required to pay for certain services, such as doctor visits or prescription medications. For example, if your copayment for a visit to an addiction specialist is $50, then you would have to pay $50 each time you see that specialist.
- Coinsurance: This is the percentage of your medical expenses that you are responsible for paying after you have met your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance rate is 20%, then you would pay 20% of your medical expenses and your insurance would cover the remaining 80%. If you plan on inpatient treatment and it’s about $6,000 for 30-days, then you’d pay $1200 (20%) and the insurance company would cover the remaining $4800 (80%).
- Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the maximum amount of money that you’ll have to pay for your medical expenses in a given year. Once you reach this amount, your insurance will cover 100% of your medical expenses. It’s important to note that this maximum usually does not include your deductible or any expenses that are not covered under your plan.
- Prescription drug coverage: Many insurance plans also cover prescription drugs. You might need to take medications during addiction treatment, such as anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants, and those to help with withdrawal symptoms. Make sure to check your insurance plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) to see if your medications are covered.
- In-network vs out-of-network providers: Most insurance plans have a network of providers that they work with, and these providers usually offer discounted rates for their services. In-network providers have agreed upon rates with the insurance company, and many rehabs will provide a list of insurance plans they work with. It’s always a good idea to stick with an in-network provider or treatment center to avoid more costs.
If you already know which rehab you want to attend, many addiction treatment centers offer to work directly with your insurance provider to get you a quote ahead of time. When in doubt, ask your insurance directly about coverage.
Public insurance options
Did you know that Medicaid is the country’s single largest payer of behavioral health services, including both mental health and substance use services? If you’re currently unemployed, disabled, or have a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid and receive coverage for addiction treatment. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act has expanded access to Medicaid in many states (you can check your eligibility at Healthcare.gov).
Another public insurance option is Medicare, which provides coverage for individuals 65 years or older, as well as those with certain disabilities. While Medicare does cover some substance abuse services, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover the cost of residential treatment programs.
Medicare is not subject to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity Act), making it a less ideal choice for those who want to enroll in inpatient or outpatient treatment. While Medicare can cover the costs of outpatient medication-assisted treatment, it may not cover alcohol counseling or mental health care.
How much does rehab cost without insurance?
It’s hard to say how much your specific rehab program will cost you. But we can refer to findings from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, which show the adjusted inflation rates for treatment:
- Medical detox- $141k
- Residential inpatient treatment – $50k
- Outpatient treatment – $8.3k
- Outpatient treatment with methadone – $7.4k
Without insurance, you’ll be subject to the full cost of treatment. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options available to finance addiction treatment without insurance.
Government assistance programs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides grants to treatment facilities specifically for uninsured individuals. These programs often operate on sliding fee scales based on income, making treatment affordable for low-income individuals and families.
You can also opt for attending a state-funded treatment program, though waiting lists to get in can be quite lengthy. Still, if you’re able to wait to enroll in treatment, a state or even county-funded addiction program might be a better choice financially.
Non-Profit Organizations and Scholarships
Many non-profit organizations offer scholarships or grants for alcohol and drug addiction treatment. The best way to apply is to ask your rehab center about opportunities and applications. You might need to submit a personal statement or pass interviews, but in the end, scholarships can cover part of your treatment.
Faith-based treatment programs are also a good option. Many provide low-cost or free treatment options, although coverage might be based on religious affiliation. These programs may have longer waiting periods but offer comprehensive care at reduced costs.
Payment plans and financing options
Most treatment facilities offer payment plans that allow you to spread costs over several months or years.
You might be able to create a payment plan directly with the rehab center, use a personal loan, or get help through a medical loan company. While it’s not the most cost-effective option, it’s ideal if you know you have space in your monthly budget to make payments over time.
Veterans programs
In my time as a peer support specialist for veterans, I saw hundreds of veterans walk through the doors of our local VA and get free access to services they had no idea they qualified for, such as:
- Inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment
- Medical detox for alcohol
- Mental health services
- Work placement and housing options
If you’re a veteran and are currently in the depths of your addiction, experiencing housing instability, or experiencing mental health concerns, make a trip to your local VA and ask for help. There are programs and services specifically designed for veterans that can provide much-needed support and resources to help you on your journey to recovery, all free of charge.
How much does rehab cost? The bottom line
Despite the costs involved, addiction treatment remains one of the most cost-effective medical interventions available. Because the long-term costs of untreated addiction – including legal fees, lost employment, health complications, and relationship damage – far exceed the investment in professional treatment.
Start by calling your insurance company to understand your specific addiction treatment benefits. Many insurers have dedicated case managers for substance abuse benefits who can help you navigate coverage options and find in-network providers.
If you’re uninsured, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential information about local treatment options and financial assistance programs. This service operates 24/7 and provides immediate guidance for people seeking help. Visiting https://findtreatment.gov/ is also an excellent way to research accredited facilities in your area to get started on your recovery.
While the upfront costs may be overwhelming, the long-term benefits of sobriety provide returns that extend far beyond any financial calculation. Recovery represents an investment in your future health, relationships, and quality of life. Whether you choose to go to rehab, leverage apps to maintain sobriety , or use other resources to gain invaluable support and track your progress.
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