Rehab costs can vary depending on many factors, such as the type of treatment you are seeking and the duration of your treatment. If you are paying for rehab without insurance, there are several options available to you and things to consider when making a decision.
Average Cost of Rehab Without Insurance
If you are wondering, “How much does rehab cost?” the price varies and depends on many factors.
Some estimates of how much you will pay for different detox and recovery services include:
- $1,000–$5,000 total for drug detox
- $1,400–$10,000 for 3 months of outpatient care
- $3,000–$10,000 for a 30-day intensive outpatient program
- $6,000–$30,000+ 30-day inpatient program
- $6,000-$14,000 annually for MAT (Dependent on type of medication and duration)
Detox
A large part of the costs in detox are associated with the use of medications to help you cope with the uncomfortable symptoms that occur when detoxing.
The cost of detox without insurance will depend on how long you receive treatment and which medications you receive.
Outpatient Care
If you receive outpatient rehab services, you will attend appointments throughout the week but return home in between sessions. Outpatient rehab costs will vary by the facility you choose.
Intensive outpatient treatment offers more support and frequent sessions than standard outpatient treatment. Because you attend more often and for a longer duration, the cost is generally higher.
Inpatient or Residential Care
Inpatient rehab costs are higher because they provide intensive, structured care 24 hours a day and sometimes take place in a hospital setting. Also, they are more costly because these programs often last between six and 12 months.
Why Rehab Costs Vary
Rehab costs vary due to several different factors, including your length of stay, your medical needs and the types of amenities the facility offers.
Length of stay
Before starting any program, you will receive a comprehensive assessment by an addiction professional to determine the most appropriate level of service to meet your needs.
Some programs involve longer stays and will cost more than a less intense program. You can expect that the more time you spend in the rehab, the higher your total cost will be.
Medical Detox and MAT
Some treatment plans will include the use of supportive medications, which will add to the overall cost. The cost will depend on whether they are used short-term for detoxification or long-term as a tool to support your recovery.
Luxury vs Standard Facility
The type of facility and location will also be a factor in costs. Luxury facilities that offer high-end amenities will cost more than a standard facility.
Some of the amenities offered during luxury rehab include:
- Private rooms
- Secluded location
- Spa and health facilities
- Higher-end menu options
- Lower staff-to-patient ratios
Ways to Pay for Rehab Without Insurance
If you do not have insurance, there are still several ways to cover the cost of rehab.
Grants and Scholarships
If you do not have insurance or find that you can’t afford your insurance co-pays and deductibles, you have another option: apply for grants through SAMHSA’s website.
You will have to fill out applications providing information to see if you qualify for government assistance in paying for your treatment.
Many rehab centers often have scholarships available as well. Contacting the rehab center directly to discuss what scholarships or grants are available is another great way to find affordable alcohol rehab or affordable drug rehab services.
State-Funded Affordable Rehab Centers
SAMHSA has a Directory of Single State Agencies (SSA) for Substance Abuse Services, where you can find a list of state-funded rehab centers.
These are centers that offer rehab services at no cost to you. They receive funding from the government in order to provide free treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehab Centers
A sliding scale refers to a system where your income and family size determine your costs.
Each center will have its own specific formula for deciding the sliding scale costs. Ask your rehab center if they offer sliding scale prices and provide the information requested in order to find out what discounts you qualify for.
Payment Plans and Discounts
Many treatment centers are willing to offer discounted services to patients who cannot afford the full cost of treatment. You can also ask your local detox centers if they offer payment plans that allow you to pay for treatment in installments.
Loans
You can search for medical loans online. There are several companies offering loans for those who need financial assistance, and many do not require a good credit score to be approved. Interest rates and loan limits vary depending on many factors.
Healthcare Credit Cards
There are credit cards explicitly made for financing medical care. You can apply for these cards the same way you do for other credit cards.
Each credit card will have a list of approved places and services the card can be used for, so you will need to confirm that the credit card you get can be used for rehab services.
Crowdfunding
Some people use crowdfunding websites like gofundme.com to help pay for medical expenses.
These websites allow you to set up a page where you share information about the reason for raising funds. You can set a fundraising goal and share the webpage with friends and family for them to donate to your cause.
Is Free Rehab Available?
Yes, free rehab is available in many areas. You can find a list of free detox centers online.
The government entity, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has a directory of each state’s free agency that provides substance misuse services.
You can filter your results by various categories, including:
- Type of care, such as detox, inpatient, or outpatient
- Type of payment, such as free, government-funded or private health insurance
- Age group
- Medication-assisted treatments
- Special programs for veterans, the LGBTQ community and services for the deaf or hard of hearing
Most state-run programs will ask you to prove that you live in the state to access their services. If you find there is a long waiting list for your state’s agency, there are other options for you as well.
Nonprofits and Faith-Based Programs
There are also free options provided through local organizations that receive their funding through donations in the community.
Nonprofit organizations and faith communities may offer free or discounted services for those who cannot afford to pay full price.
Is Rehab Worth the Cost?
While the cost of rehab may seem high, the benefits of rehab have been studied and shown to be worth the cost.
According to research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into treatment and stay in treatment stop using drugs and improve their lives in various capacities.
- Seeing your primary care physician annually after substance use disorder treatment has shown to produce better outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. This is partly because substance misuse is often a chronic issue that shows up after you leave a detox center.
- Detoxification alone does not address the psychological, social and behavioral problems associated with addiction, and therefore, the best outcomes occur when detox is followed by a formal assessment and referral to drug addiction treatment.
- Completing an inpatient stay at a treatment center shows you have a reduced risk of relapse.
When you compare the cost of addiction vs the cost of treatment, many see that they save money in avoiding long-term health problems such as recurring medical needs, relapse or overdose.
FAQs
How Can I Go to Rehab with no money?
You can contact local rehab centers to see what kinds of grants, scholarships or discounts they offer. You can also visit SAMHSA’s website to see free state-funded centers in your area.
Is There Free Rehab Near Me?
Yes, you most likely have a free rehab center near you. You can use the online search tool on SAMHSA’s websiteto look at various state-funded rehabs in your area.
What is the Cheapest Type of Rehab?
The least expensive rehab treatment is an outpatient program. Finding one that is run by a nonprofit or is state-funded will give you the lowest prices.
Do Rehab Centers Offer Payment Plans?
Yes, many rehab centers offer payment plans for those who cannot pay the full cost upfront. When you reach out to a rehab center, share your financial concerns with them and ask what types of payment plans they offer.
Can I Finance Rehab Treatment?
Yes, there are ways to finance rehab treatment outside of insurance. You can apply for grants or scholarships, ask the center whether they offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans or apply for a healthcare credit account.