What Is The Cost of Alcohol Rehab? Find Out How to Get Affordable Care.
When alcohol starts taking a toll on your health, relationships, and finances—it’s time to seek help. It might seem like a bottle here and there is normal, but alcohol has lifelong side effects. Currently, over 400 million people across the globe have alcohol use disorder–right from age 15.
Many people often see the damage that alcohol brings and look to rehab. However, they wonder if it might be too expensive for them. But compared to the cost of fueling an alcohol addiction, alcohol rehab addiction treatment is not as costly as you might expect.
On average, a person with Alcohol Use Disorder spends over $5,000 annually on alcohol alone. If you add indirect costs like lost wages, legal troubles, and health complications, your answer becomes even clearer. Rehab is an investment in your life and future. So, what exactly is the cost of rehab? Keep reading to find out.
Even moderate drinking can lead to risky behavior, impaired judgment, and accidents. But for people who suffer from alcohol dependence, the risks are even more. There are higher chances of the likelihood of injuries, alcohol poisoning, and life-threatening incidents like drunk driving.
More importantly, prolonged alcohol dependence affects nearly every organ in the body. It causes some of these below;
- Liver Damage: There are higher chances of developing fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, and it can become severe or fatal.
- Heart Issues: Anyone who suffers from alcohol dependence will experience high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke.
- Weakened Immune System: Chronic drinking lowers the body’s defenses and makes it harder to fight infections.
- Neurological Impairment: Long-term alcohol abuse can cause memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Depression and Anxiety: Alcohol will initially numb emotional pain, but over time, it worsens symptoms of anxiety and depression. This makes it even harder to quit the dependence and is a recipe for more substance abuse.
If you or a loved one is looking to rehab as an option of care, you should have all the information you need. It also ties in with the resources you have. There are many rehab opportunities, and they all have a wide range of costs. This is simply an overview of what you are looking at regarding cost.
Inpatient rehab involves staying at a facility where you receive round-the-clock care. You are lodged in the facility, and your feeding and logistics are all covered. The program typically begins with detox for 2–7 days, followed by therapy, skill-building, and support.
- Cost: $5,000 to $30,000 for 28 days, depending on the facility you register with and its services.
Outpatient programs allow you to live at home and attend treatment sessions on a daily or couple of days a week basis. The program will work well for those with milder forms of AUD or as a step-down from inpatient care.
- Cost: $1,400 to $10,000, depending on the intensity and duration of the program.
Alongside therapy, some patients might require medications. FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can aid recovery. They help by reducing cravings or creating adverse reactions to alcohol. However, many of them are prescriptions, and your doctor must approve them.
- Cost: $25–$75 monthly, depending on the medication and insurance coverage.
After the intensity of your rehab program has significantly reduced, you might want to continue with some behavioral therapy, family counseling, and support groups. They are very helpful for long-term recovery.
- Cost: $100–$200 per session for therapy. Free or low-cost options like Alcoholics Anonymous are also available.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, substance abuse treatment is a covered benefit under most insurance plans. So it is very easy and accessible for residents of the United States. However, always verify:
- What services are covered (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, medication).
- Your deductible and copay amounts.
Other options include;
Government and Community ProgramsState or local health departments often offer free or low-cost rehab options. These programs may have waitlists but can be a great alternative if finances are tight.
Employer AssistanceIf you’re employed, check whether your workplace offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide access to counseling or rehab services.
While the costs of rehab might seem overwhelming at first, the price of not seeking help is far greater. At NuLife Behavioral Health, we’re committed to making care accessible and effective. Whether you need inpatient treatment, outpatient support, or both, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and budget. Ready to start your journey? Contact Nulife Behavioral Health today to explore your options for personalized, affordable care.
We’re here to help