Cost of drug treatment programs

For anyone struggling with a drug addiction, drug treatment programs are an effective way to regain control. The cost of these programs, however, is often a deterrent to getting help. Learn more about the cost of drug treatment programs and how you can afford them here. Then, ask your questions about drug treatment at the end.

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What’s the cost of drug treatment programs?

There is no exact formula that is used to determine the cost of addiction treatment programs. Instead, there are a few important factors that must be taken into account when trying to determine how much hone will cost.

  • Length of treatment – Not surprisingly, the cost of drug treatment programs is also strongly influenced by their duration. Short-term residential treatment programs, for instance, are typically more economical than long-term residential treatment programs. The same is true for short and long-term outpatient drug treatment programs.
  • Services offered during drug treatment programs – Some individuals may find that they need more intensive treatment methods during recovery. These additional services – including medical detox, pharmacotherapy, and dual diagnoses treatment – will usually raise the cost of drug treatment programs.
  • Type of drug treatment programs – Different types of drug treatment programs will have different costs. Most notably, residential drug treatment programs most often cost more than outpatient drug rehab programs. Luxury drug rehab programs will usually be the most expensive options, due to their spa-like atmospheres, and luxury amenities and services.  And private drug treatment programs tend to be more expensive than government subsidized programs.

Average cost of drug treatment programs

One of the most thorough studies regarding the average cost of alcohol and drug treatment programs was conducted by a healthcare journal, Health Services Research. Using information from a number of government and educational sources, this study managed to determine the average cost of a few different types of drug treatment programs.   Their report on the average cost of drug treatment programs follows

1.    Cost of inpatient drug treatment programs – The weekly cost of typical inpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs ranges from $600 to $900 per week, with an average weekly cost of around $790.
2.    Cost of long-term residential drug treatment programs – Weekly costs for long-term residential treatment programs, including therapeutic communities, average $668.
3.    Cost of outpatient drug treatment programs – The average cost of outpatient drug rehab programs was much lower, coming in at $140 per week.

Low cost drug treatment programs

If you simply can’t afford to pay for drug rehab treatment out-of-pocket, you still have a few options. Low cost drug treatment programs are available for those who need it. There are a few options you should consider before paying full price for treatment.  Here are some ideas for getting low cost drug treatment:

1. Consult your health insurance policy

If you have health insurance, you may be able to choose from a few different local low cost drug treatment programs. Some health insurance companies will be willing to pay part of the cost of these programs, which will greatly reduce the amount you will be required to come up with.

2. Drug treatment programs and financial aid

Speak to a few different drug treatment programs before making a decision. Chances are, most of them use sliding scale fees, which dictate the amount you will pay based on your income and expenses.

3. Government and non-profit organizations

Depending on your area and situation, you may qualify for low cost drug treatment programs through the government or non-profit organizations. To find out if you qualify for these programs, contact your local state assistance office, or contact non-profit rehab groups directly.

4. Tax breaks

Speak with a certified public accountant the next time you file federal taxes.  Medical treatment you receive related to addiction treatment may be tax deductible as a same year medical expense, especially if you spend 10% of your annual income on it.

No cost drug treatment programs

Although they can be a bit tricky to find, no cost drug treatment programs do exist. According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 4% of all treatment centers are no cost drug treatment programs, meaning they are free to anyone. One of the easiest ways to find no cost drug treatment programs is by using the treatment services locator on the SAMHSA website. You can also contact certain non-profit rehab organizations directly to see if you might qualify for free rehab.

Cost of drug treatment programs questions

If you’re still wondering how you’ll cover the cost of drug treatment programs questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We look forward to helping you move forward with your treatment and will respond to all questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: SAMHSA: Free Treatment Available
NCBI: The Economic Costs of Substance Abuse Treatment: Updated Estimates and Cost Bands for Program Assessment and Reimbursement
NCBI: Benefit–Cost in the California Treatment Outcome Project: Does Substance Abuse Treatment “Pay for Itself”?
Child Welfare: Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders
CASA Columbia: Addiction Medicine: Closing the Gap between Science and Practice
The Addiction Recovery Guide: Residential Treatment Centers
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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