How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Usually Cost?

There’s no one answer to the question of how much money you can expect to pay for alcohol rehab. The cost of alcohol addiction treatment varies based on: 

• Type of program 
• Length of treatment
• Geographic location 
• Amenities offered 

“Drug and alcohol treatment can be expensive. It can cost from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on the treatment and the facility,” Sharon Burnom, CCAPP, MBA, MA, director of Forever Free Addiction Counseling in Los Angeles, Calif., tells WebMD Connect to Care.

According to Drughelpline.org, rehab costs can range between: 

• $250 – $800 per day for 30-day drug detox 
• $1,400 – $10,000 for 3 months of outpatient care 
• $3,000 – $10,000 for a 30-day intensive outpatient program 
• $5,000 - $80,000 for residential treatment, depending on the length of stay

While alcohol addiction treatment cost of care may seem overwhelming, it’s possible to find ways to afford the care you need. 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment With Insurance

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated that health insurance policies provide drug and alcohol addiction coverage. This includes private insurance policies, Medicaid, Medicare, state-financed health insurance, and military insurance. In some states, like California, you may also qualify for disability insurance for alcoholism inpatient treatment. 

It’s important to understand your policy, because your health insurance company covers alcohol rehab costs based on set guidelines. “Many insurance companies will only cover up to 30 days in residential treatment, which is not enough to help someone who has been using for 20+ years,” Burnom says. 

Insurance can also impact the type of treatment you receive. “As a clinician, I see what a patient needs, but insurance determines what clients get,” says drug and alcohol counselor Charlene McPherson of Holistic Guidance Service in Los Angeles, Calif. “With something like holistic care, services such as yoga and massage may benefit a client, but the insurance company may not recognize that.”

Alcohol Rehab Without Insurance

Realizing how much alcohol rehab costs without insurance may seem surprising at first, but there are financing options. Don't let the price deter you right away. “Many addicts do not seek treatment due to the cost and having no insurance,” Burnom says.