Expert Insights
I recently read an article about Fresno being ranked as the 6th worst place to live if you want to stay sober. I was surprised to learn that researchers studied several major cities and ranked them based on temptation, sobriety, infrastructure, and community support. I think this kind of media and research is harmful for people trying to sustain recovery and treatment centers trying to help people get sober. The reality is, I believe, it is hard to stay sober anywhere in a country that promotes alcohol use and where cannabis is legal in many states. Instead, I think our focus should be on providing resources for more community support — which we know is a fundamental aspect of staying in recovery.
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Fresno?
California is ranked 23rd nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,654 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,673
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in California costs an average of $49,994
- Outpatient addiction treatment in California costs an average of $8,307
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,381
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Fresno?
If you are unable to pay for your addiction treatment, you might be eligible for low-cost or free care at one of Fresno’s state-funded facilities. If you go that route, be prepared to prove that you:
- Are a U.S. resident
- Are a resident of California
- Don’t have insurance, or your insurance is inadequate
- Have an addiction or mental health diagnosis
As of 2024, there were over 2020 drug rehab facilities across the state of California. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many provide free or low-cost drug rehab services:
1453 accept self-payment or cash
907 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
701 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
447 accept state funded insurance coverage
1099 accept private health insurance
703 offer free or low-cost treatment
68 offer free treatment for all clients
276 accept tribal funding
Resources
- Lah, Kyung, Anna-Maja Rappard and Rachel Clark, (2021) “In Fresno’s Meth Hell, There’s No Antidote,”
- Community Dashboard (2021). “Opioid Prescription Patients,” Healthy Fresno County Community Dashboard.
- Gentry, Jeff (2020). “2020 Coroner Unit Statistics,” Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
- Fresno County Dashboard (2020). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
