The high cost of rehab can be scary. However, options like insurance, funding, and scholarships make it affordable to pay for rehab. This support can help you start your recovery journey.
If you’re thinking about seeking assistance for addiction, you may be concerned about the cost of rehab. Making a decision is tough, especially when you’re eager to begin feeling better but uncertain about the expenses.
Fortunately, there are various payment options and ample support resources to assist with covering the cost of treatment. Let’s explore how you can handle the financial aspect of rehabilitation and take that crucial step towards recovery.
Rehab, which stands for rehabilitation, helps people overcome different issues, with addiction being a common focus. This can include addictions to drugs or alcohol. It can also involve behaviors like using technology too much, social media, gambling, or even sex.
Many people think of rehab only for addiction. However, it also includes programs for physical recovery after an injury or illness. It provides support for mental health problems too.
The idea of rehab usually makes people think of a place where someone with a substance use disorder goes to get help. Rehab centers provide structured programs that include therapy, counseling, and medical care. These programs are supported by a team of rehab and medical experts who understand your struggles. These programs help with physical, emotional, and mental recovery.
However, rehab doesn’t always have to happen in a unique building. Depending on your situation, you can complete rehab through outpatient programs, local support groups, or even in your home.
Rehabilitation is usually the initial and most crucial stage after the patient decides to recover their health. Drug addiction impacts the body, mind, and spirit, with most of the condition being tied to mental aspects. If you don’t address addiction, it can get worse and harm your health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Rehab provides essential tools and support to assist you in starting your recovery journey. You’ll collaborate with talented professionals who fully comprehend what you’re experiencing. They’ll look at every part of your addiction and put together a treatment plan just for you.
Rehabilitation offers a supportive environment for healing, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery. Most importantly, rehab gives you a fresh start, free from the grip of addiction. It’s where you can learn, grow, and prepare for a much better and healthier life.
You might recover in residential or inpatient programs. These programs help you stay away from distractions and temptations. This way, you can focus on yourself without outside interference.
Choosing the right rehab program is very important for your path to recovery. Many programs help different people in various ways. Here are some examples of these options.
Inpatient rehabilitation is generally the most rigorous method for helping individuals with substance use disorders. These programs require that you reside on-site throughout the set duration of your treatment.
This living arrangement gives you a daily routine for healing. It also keeps you away from triggers at home. It also offers round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring nothing goes wrong.
People with serious addiction problems may benefit the most from inpatient rehabilitation. This is especially true for those who have not succeeded with outpatient treatment or need a structured environment.
Outpatient rehabilitation programs enable participants to attend therapy and treatment sessions during the day but go home each evening. Most therapy sessions last 45 to 60 minutes.
On average, people in outpatient rehab go to 2 to 5 sessions each week. This helps you manage your daily tasks. You can be there for your family and keep up with work or school. At the same time, you get the care you need.
It is a good choice for people with moderate addiction issues. It can help them move from residential treatment to daily life.
Inpatient and residential rehab both offer a home-like setting where you receive treatment. You live in a facility that provides meals, therapy, and a safe place to stay.
A residential program is usually less intense than an inpatient program. It offers round-the-clock supervision and a structured treatment environment. As a result, residential programs often have a homier atmosphere with a relaxed feel. Additionally, while they may provide some medical care, it is typically more supportive rather than intensive.
The main differences between residential and inpatient rehab programs are their environment and the focus on various issues. Residential rehab programs often feel like retreat centers, emphasizing reflection, relaxation, and community support.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) provide sort of a middle ground between inpatient rehab treatment and outpatient rehab treatment. In IOPs, you would go to treatment sessions frequently throughout the week, but you do not have to sleep at the place.
This program is for people who need more structure than regular outpatient care. It is for those who do not want full-time supervision. This way, you can focus on improving while maintaining your routine.
If you have caregiving duties, you might find it hard to go to inpatient rehab. This treatment may be the best option for you.
A partial hospitalization program is designed to tackle more severe issues than a standard outpatient treatment program. However, it offers better care than all outpatient programs, including IOPs. But it is not as strict as residential rehab.
PHPs usually provide patients with several days of therapy each week. This lets people get intensive treatment while staying at home. This program provides the support needed by combining the inpatient care structure with the flexibility of outpatient treatment.
A patient in PHP gets complete treatment services. This includes medical care during the day. However, they do not need to stay overnight at the facility. They go home each night.
Multiple factors influence the cost of treatment. Despite the initial high cost, drug treatment services are a valuable investment for your overall well-being and contentment. On the other hand, continuing to use drugs can quickly become very expensive.
As the addiction gets worse, you need more of the drug to feel its effects. Your body gets used to it.
This means the cost of supporting your addiction keeps rising a lot. Moreover, there is a real risk of lethal overdose, resulting in considerable financial burden even to your loved ones. Even if one survives, the treatment in an emergency can be very costly.
Additionally, purchasing certain illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine can be costly. Some prescription drugs are often abused.
These include opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Ativan are also common. Stimulants like Adderall are included too.
These drugs can become very expensive. This is especially true when they are prescribed in high doses for a long time. And when addiction sets in, the costs can quickly spiral out of control, adding even more financial strain.
If your doctor stops prescribing opioids and you seek alternatives, getting them from other sources can be very expensive. When people buy prescription drugs illegally, they often pay more. This can happen when they buy from street vendors or unapproved online sellers.
Pharmacies usually offer lower prices. These big price increases happen because of the risks linked to illegal sales, lack of rules, and extra costs for sellers.
When you misuse drugs, it doesn’t just affect your health—it can spill over into every part of your life. Your relationships start to strain, your career can take a hit, and the damage often goes much deeper than you might expect. It’s not just about the immediate effects; it’s the long-term consequences that can follow you for years. And in the end, the harm it causes often outweighs any temporary relief or escape it might seem to offer.
Studies show that the average cost of rehabilitation is around $13,475 per client. These costs can change based on an array of different factors that come into play. Though the cost of addiction treatment programs may vary, it typically hinges on the level of care offered. The following outlines the typical costs associated with different types of addiction treatment according to NCDAS:
At times, individuals may require a medical detox, a monitored method for safely managing the cessation of substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. The typical price for medical detox ranges from $250 to $800 per day. Moreover, maintaining sobriety after completing treatment may require additional financial assistance for continued support through aftercare programs.
When talking about insurance coverage for rehab, especially for issues like alcohol addiction, things have gotten better recently. More people and families can now get the help they need. However, the coverage is still limited regarding what services are offered and how long or how much help you can get.
Private Insurance for Rehab
Private insurance plans are not funded by the government. However, the law may require them to cover some mental health services, including treatment for substance abuse. For example, if you have a group health insurance plan with more than 50 employees, like one from your job, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) from 2008 says that the plan must cover mental health and substance use disorder treatments the same way it covers other medical issues.
Private insurance can be the most expensive option. However, it gives you the most flexibility to choose a plan that fits your needs best.
However, it is crucial to note that private insurance for your required care will vary greatly. Some may encompass inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization programs, while others only provide coverage for medical detox performed by a licensed professional.
Some programs focus only on medical detox and evidence-based therapies. They often leave out holistic treatments. However, patients may need these holistic therapies to get better.
The details will differ depending on the insurance company and your specific plan. The best way to get accurate information is to contact your insurance provider. They can confirm how your coverage works.
Public Insurance for Rehab
If you can’t get private insurance, public insurance can help. This is also true if your current plan does not cover substance abuse treatment. It may greatly reduce the cost of your rehabilitation. Public insurance may be acquired through multiple avenues: health exchanges via the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid/Medicare.
When the ACA became law in 2010, it labeled addiction treatment as an “essential health benefit.” That means it must be part of the plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Medicaid has also been expanded to cover more people than in the past. The following link will provide detailed information on how to get started: Healthcare.gov You can apply and enroll in a plan that meets your needs.
Medicaid is currently designed for people with low incomes who fit specific criteria. These include individuals under 65, pregnant women, parents, people with disabilities, and people with severe health conditions.
Medicare is for people who are 65 and older. It also covers those with certain disabilities. This includes individuals with end-stage renal disease or ALS.
However, remember that not every Medicaid and Medicare plan includes coverage for addiction treatment. Review the particulars of your specific plan to understand precisely what is included.
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
Now that you know how vital rehab is and how different the costs can be, let’s consider different ways to pay for it.
If you have been able to save money, dipping into your ‘personal’ savings is one of the most straightforward ways to afford rehab. It’s simple, but let’s be realistic: very few people have enough laid by for this kind of purpose. Rehab can be very costly, and using one’s savings simply is not an option for some people.
A good way to cover the cost of rehab is by using your health insurance. As mentioned before, many insurance plans include some help for addiction treatment. Review your policy and contact your insurance company to find out how much they will pay.
If you don’t have savings or can’t pay for treatment upfront, don’t worry. Some treatment facilities offer financing options.
This lets you pay in installments after you finish the program. In certain situations, a third-party lender could also assist in securing a loan on your behalf. It’s vital to speak with the treatment center you are considering to learn more about their financing choices.
If you have a savings account, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or a 401(k), you may want to use that money. An IRA is a tax-advantaged account to help you save for retirement.
A 401(k) is a plan from your employer that lets you put in pre-tax income. Often, your employer will match your contributions. You can consider using these funds to help pay some bills.
Other options may be taking out a loan against your home’s equity for rehab. It is important to talk openly with your family or anyone involved with those funds before making a decision.
Many nonprofit groups, government services, and rehab centers can help you pay for treatment. You may not know this. These programs aim to ease the burden on your wallet, and some even offer scholarships to lower the cost. Depending on where you go, there are different scholarships you might be able to get:
They provide services that focus on preventing substance abuse, particularly for individuals who are at high risk. The SABG program specifically focuses on supporting several key groups and service areas, including:
The good news is that, with these scholarships, you can often combine them with insurance. Even if your insurance does not cover all rehab services, you might still get full or partial coverage. This can greatly lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Remember, how much is covered depends on the rehab center and its funding. But their objective is simple: to ensure you get the care you need without breaking your wallet.
Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise money for many reasons, including funding rehabilitation. Websites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Fundly, Mightycause, Crowdfunder, and FundRazr will let you share your story. You can get financial help from friends, family, and even strangers who want to support you.
When deciding to get help, family members usually have a big part in supporting you. They might even pay for the treatment so you can concentrate on getting better. If your family wants to help (it’s best for them too), send the money straight to the addiction center. This way, everyone knows the money is being used correctly.
Sometimes, families also get extra money by selling things they don’t mind letting go of, like unused cars, old computers, or other stuff. These things can give you some financial help when you need it most.
If you want low-cost treatment, federal and state-funded drug and alcohol rehab programs can help. These programs differ by state. They may be offered by a different agency or be part of larger health departments. They may offer detox, outpatient, and inpatient programs and aftercare to continue providing support as you progress through recovery.
To qualify for treatment, you must meet certain criteria. These usually include proof of citizenship and proof of residency in the state. You also need proof of your addiction from a doctor, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor. Lastly, you must show that you cannot afford private treatment due to low income or other reasons.
Some of these programs may have a waiting list for admittance. Most offer some support while you wait for an opening. This way, you are not left alone during this time.
Some employers offer EAPs or Employee Assistance Programs, which may help treat addictions. They could give financial support for rehabilitation or connect you with counseling and other valuable resources. Check with your human resources department to see if this option is available to you.
Numerous facilities provide sliding-scale programs, in which you pay according to what your income indicates you can manage. This is a choice to consider when looking for methods to obtain the care you need at a cost that fits your budget.
Rehabilitation facilities understand that many of those who require treatment will face the cost as a huge barrier. It is usually one of the first reasons people will hesitate to reach out.
Here is where the good news comes in: most facilities have ways to make treatment affordable. Instead of requiring a large upfront payment, they let you spread the cost into smaller monthly payments.
If this approach might work for you, think about calling some centers. Ask them about their payment plans. Find the one that fits your needs best.
Several charitable organizations also offer financial assistance for addiction treatment. Some offer grants, while others may offer low-interest loans to help cover rehab costs.
You should contact local or national organizations that help with addiction recovery. Ask them about their financial assistance programs.
Many people want to help you get treatment. Be brave and look for those options. They can really help you recover.
Several states provide financial support for rehabilitation programs for people who meet specific income requirements. State-funded rehab programs provide affordable treatment options. You may qualify for help if you are facing financial problems.
One major factor is whether their services are accredited and compliant (with industry standards or regulations). When choosing a rehab program, accreditation is important.
The second key factor to consider is the types of treatment available. Treatment programs can differ in range, from outpatient services to inpatient or residential care options. Treatment options must be suitable for the severity of addiction and any co-occurring issues.
In addition to the above, look for programs accredited by national organizations. These groups work to improve rehabilitation service standards. The reputation and experience of the rehab itself are also critical.
Check the staff credentials. This includes the licenses of treatment providers and their experience in the recovery process.
When checking a rehab center program, look for:
At Novara Recovery Center, we understand that the cost of rehab can be a big worry. We created our treatment programs to help you recover. We also offer flexible payment options to make it easier for you to get the help you need.
Ready to begin your journey to healing? We’re here to help you every step of the way—financial concerns included. Call us today at (703) 705-7870.
You can also email us at info@novararecovery.com. Feel free to visit us at 2815 Old Lee Hwy Floor 2, Fairfax, VA 22031. Let’s talk about how our financing options can make your recovery more accessible.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
