What Is the Cost of Alcohol Rehab?

The decision to seek treatment for alcohol addiction is a life-changing choice. However, the cost associated with rehab can feel daunting. While prices vary from one facility and level of care to another, understanding what to expect — and exploring ways to make treatment more affordable — can help you begin your path to recovery with confidence.

Below, we’ll explore the different types of addiction treatment, their costs, common ways to pay for rehab, and the factors that influence price. You’ll also learn about the significant financial and personal toll of addiction, as well as whether non-profit or state-funded options may be available to help reduce costs.

Types of Addiction Treatment and Their Costs

Addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each person has unique needs based on the substance they’re struggling with, their health status, and other personal factors. Different treatment approaches also vary in cost.

Detox

Detoxification is often the first step for people beginning treatment for addiction, especially if they are using substances that can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms (like alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines). Medical detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment.

• Cost range: Medical detox can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per day, depending on the level of medical care provided. Some detox programs can cost upwards of $1,000 to $1,500 per day, especially if intensive medical monitoring is required.
• What influences cost: Severity of withdrawal symptoms, need for prescription medications, and whether the facility offers round-the-clock medical support.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehabilitation requires patients to live at the treatment facility for a set period, which can range from 28 days to several months. This immersive environment provides structure and constant access to medical and therapeutic resources.

• Cost range: A 28–30 day program might cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, while longer or more specialized programs can exceed $30,000 per month. Luxury or executive rehab centers with additional amenities can cost significantly more.
• What influences cost: Length of stay, location of the facility, level of one-on-one care, and additional amenities (e.g., private rooms, gourmet meals, wellness programs).

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab allows patients to live at home or in a sober living residence while attending scheduled treatment sessions. This flexibility makes outpatient care more affordable for many people.

• Cost range: Standard outpatient programs may cost between $1,000 and $5,000 for a three-month program. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which offer more frequent therapy sessions, may cost $3,000 to $10,000 over several months.
• What influences cost: Duration and frequency of therapy sessions, additional support services, and whether specialized counseling or treatment modalities (e.g., dual diagnosis care) are included.

Medications

Some individuals require prescription medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used for opioid or alcohol use disorders.

• Cost range: Depending on the medication, monthly costs can vary widely. Buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment can cost hundreds of dollars per month, including physician visits and prescription fees. Naltrexone injections (Vivitrol) can cost over $1,000 per dose.
• What influences cost: Type of medication, frequency of doses, insurance coverage and pharmacy pricing.

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Common Ways of Paying for Rehab

The cost of rehab may be intimidating, but there are various options for funding:

• Health Insurance: Many private insurance plans provide coverage for substance abuse treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance plans are required to cover addiction treatment services to some extent. It’s important to verify in-network or out-of-network coverage details with your insurer.
• Medicaid or Medicare: Public insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare may cover some or all of the costs of addiction treatment, depending on eligibility and location.
• Financing and Payment Plans: Some treatment facilities offer payment plans or financing, allowing you to spread out the costs over time.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Some employers offer EAP benefits that may help cover part of addiction treatment costs or provide referrals to local resources.
• Personal Loans or Credit: Depending on your financial situation, you could consider obtaining a personal loan or using credit to pay for rehab, although this option should be carefully weighed against potential interest costs.
• Scholarships or Grants: Certain rehab centers, non-profits, or charitable organizations offer scholarships or grants to individuals who cannot afford treatment.

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The Cost of Addiction

While the upfront cost of rehab is a legitimate concern, it’s important to compare that figure to the ongoing costs of substance misuse. Addiction can be extremely expensive, both financially and personally:

• Financial impact: Ongoing alcohol purchases can amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars per month. Additionally, some people face job loss or reduced work hours due to substance-related issues, further compounding financial strain.
• Legal fees and fines: Driving under the influence (DUI) and other drug-related charges can lead to thousands of dollars in legal fees, court costs and fines.
• Healthcare expenses: Untreated addiction may lead to chronic health problems, hospital stays, or emergency room visits, increasing medical bills.
• Personal and emotional costs: Beyond monetary losses, addiction often damages relationships, leads to lower quality of life, and can increase the likelihood of mental health struggles.

Investing in treatment can break this cycle, reduce long-term costs, and improve quality of life. Studies show that every $1 invested in addiction treatment yields significant returns, including reduced crime rates and healthcare costs.

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Factors That Affect the Cost of Rehab

Because every person’s situation is different, the cost of rehab isn’t a fixed number. Several factors can increase or decrease the overall expense:

• Level of care needed: Higher levels of care, like inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient programs, tend to cost more than standard outpatient care.
• Program length: Longer programs generally cost more due to extended room and board, therapy sessions and other services.
• Location: Rehab centers in urban or high-demand areas might charge more than those in rural locations, in part because of higher operating expenses.
• Amenities: Facilities offering specialized therapies, private accommodations, gourmet meals or luxury amenities often charge a premium.
• Specialized treatments: Dual diagnosis care (treating a substance use disorder alongside a mental health condition) may cost more, as additional medical professionals and therapies are involved.

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Are There Non-Profit or State-Funded Rehabs?

Yes. If cost is a serious barrier, many non-profit or state-funded rehab centers offer free or low-cost treatment options. These programs can vary in their scope of services and eligibility requirements:

• State-funded rehabs: Most states allocate resources to help individuals with lower incomes or no insurance receive addiction treatment. Waiting lists can be long, however, and the availability of specialized treatment or newer medications may be limited.
• Non-profit rehabs: Charitable organizations and faith-based groups sometimes offer free or sliding-scale rehab programs. Look for local non-profits that partner with community resources to provide comprehensive treatment and recovery support.

While these options might not offer the same upscale amenities as private facilities, they can still provide essential counseling, medical care and support services. Anyone seeking these options should inquire about wait times, specific services offered, and any eligibility criteria.

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Finding the Right Fit in Kansas City

If you live in the Kansas City area, you have a range of treatment options at your disposal. Facilities like The Recovery Village Kansas City can provide a variety of care levels and work with you to find payment options that suit your budget.

The path to recovery may require an upfront financial investment, but it often pays off in the long term through improved health, restored relationships and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, reach out to a reputable treatment center to learn about possible financing arrangements, insurance coverage, or referral assistance to non-profit and state-funded options.

Recovery is possible, and understanding the costs — and the resources to help manage them — is an important part of taking that first step toward a healthier, substance-free life.

If you’re ready to explore your recovery from alcohol addiction, contact our Recovery Advocates. We can help you learn more about the costs of alcohol rehab and answer questions about financing, payment plans and insurance coverage. Take the next step today with The Recovery Village Kansas City.

Read more: How long are inpatient alcohol rehab programs?