How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

Naomi Carr
Dr. David Miles
Written by Naomi Carr on 12 November 2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. David Miles on 20 November 2024

Alcohol rehab can cost thousands of dollars, ranging from $250 for a short-term detox program to $100,000 for a luxury residential facility. The type and duration of treatment impact the cost of each program. There are, however, various options for people who cannot afford to pay for treatment.

Key takeaways:
  • The cost of treatment will vary depending on many factors, such as whether the program is provided as an inpatient or outpatient service, if medications are required, and how long the treatment will last.
  • Funding from state and federal governments, such as Medicaid and Medicare, can help people pay for alcohol rehab treatments.
  • Rehab treatments can have a positive impact on recovery and relapse prevention.
How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

The average cost of alcohol rehab programs

Rehab programs can vary in cost significantly and will depend on several factors. People with insurance may have partial or complete coverage for alcohol rehab, which can differ depending on the insurer and facility.

Inpatient or residential rehab programs tend to be more expensive than outpatient programs. Costs can vary depending on the treatments provided during these programs.

Detox and withdrawal cost

Detox from alcohol may be necessary for some people and can be completed through inpatient or outpatient programs. This cost can range from $250 to $1500. Many inpatient programs include detox in their treatment programs so people can continue at the same facility throughout their treatment.

Outpatient rehab cost

Outpatient program costs can vary depending on the intensity of the treatment program and the individual’s treatment requirements. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) may be more costly than a typical outpatient program as they involve many hours of treatment per week. A three-month outpatient program might cost anywhere between $1400 and $10,000.

Inpatient rehab cost

Inpatient rehab costs can vary significantly depending on the facility and types of treatments offered. A 30-day program might cost between $3,000 and $20,000. A 60 to 90-day inpatient program might cost between $12,000 and $60,000.

Cost of luxury rehab centers

Luxury facilities may charge much more, with some monthly programs costing up to $100,000. These centers offer a wider range of treatments, such as massage, aromatherapy, music or art therapy, equine therapy, and fitness and yoga classes. People stay in a private room in a high-end, resort-style accommodation.

Cost of medications

Some people may require medication-assisted treatment when stopping drinking alcohol, to help with withdrawal or maintaining abstinence. This can incur additional costs on top of treatment programs.

Importance of alcoholism treatment

Alcohol rehab treatment can be costly but there are various options to help people pay for treatment.

Despite the cost, it is important to consider the overall benefits of treatment. A heavy drinker might spend thousands of dollars per year on alcohol, along with the potential costs of regular health problems, missed work or lost productivity, and legal issues. Spending money on addiction treatment can help prevent these costs while improving general well-being and relationships.

Utilizing professional treatment to quit drinking can provide people with important skills and knowledge to improve the recovery process, helping to prevent relapse.

Factors that affect the cost of alcohol rehab

The cost of alcohol rehab can vary significantly depending on:

  • The severity of the individual’s addiction
  • The duration of treatment
  • Whether treatment is provided at an inpatient facility or outpatient program
  • If detox services are required
  • If medications are required
  • If the facility is a luxury rehab center
  • How many appointments are attended per week

Does insurance cover alcohol rehab?

Most insurance providers will cover all or some of the costs of alcohol rehab. The level of coverage will depend on the insurance plan, treatment needs, treatment providers, and duration of treatment. It is advisable to speak with the insurance provider about their coverage for alcohol rehab treatments and check which facilities and treatments are included.

Different types of insurance are available.

State and federal-funded options for eligible people with low income include:

Private health insurance options include:

Alcohol rehab cost without insurance

People who don’t have insurance may have to pay the full cost of alcohol rehab. However, some options are available to help cover these expenses, such as financing options and grants.

People can contact local rehab centers to find out more about their available payment options.

Free and low-cost alcohol rehab options

Free and low-cost alcohol rehab is available across the US for people without insurance or with low income at state-funded centers or through non-profit programs. These facilities are often more basic than standard or luxury rehab centers, although they can still provide good quality treatment by licensed professionals.

SAMHSA provides a treatment locator that can help you find centers within your price range or that offer different payment options. These treatment centers may involve meeting eligibility criteria and can have waiting lists.

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Resources:

  1. The Cost of Alcohol Rehab. (2024). Alcohol Help. Retrieved from
  2. Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab. (2024). Addiction Center. Retrieved from
  3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2014). Alcohol’s Effects on Health. NIAAA. Retrieved from
  4. 10 Best Free Rehab Centers in the U.S. (2024). (Updated 2024). Addiction Resource. Retrieved from

Activity History - Last updated: 20 November 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

David is a seasoned Pharmacist, natural medicines expert, medical reviewer, and pastor. Earning his Doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina, David received clinical training at several major hospital systems and has worked for various pharmacy chains over the years. His focus and passion has always been taking care of his patients by getting accurate information and thorough education to those who need it most. His motto: "Good Information = Good Outcomes".

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 16 October 2024 and last checked on 20 November 2024

Medically reviewed by
Dr. David Miles

PharmD

Dr. David Miles

Reviewer

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