Expert Insights
One of the most disturbing things you’ll see go hand-in-hand with drug addiction is homelessness. And nowhere is that on display quite like it is in Los Angeles. For those who aren’t “used to” seeing encampment areas like LA’s “skid row,” to say it’s a culture shock is an understatement. Tents line the sidewalks as far as the eye can see in either direction, and those tents are usually occupied by residents who are severely struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The ultimate question is what can we do to help these people access treatment and come in off the streets for good?
~ Natalie Baker
How Expensive is Rehab in Los Angeles?
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles varies from program to program and depends on several influences, such as:
- Treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient)
- Features and amenities (such as upscale offerings)
- Duration of program (30 vs. 90 days)
- Which insurance providers and plans the program accepts
- Government funding
- Location (city vs. mountains)
Typically, you can expect inpatient facilities to be more expensive than outpatient since you are paying for room and board. Likewise, because of the upscale offerings like spa treatment or massage therapy, executive and luxury rehabs will run you much more than a standard inpatient program.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in California?
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
Los Angeles is a relatively high cost of living compared to the average in California, meaning you can expect costs to be on the higher side of these averages.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Insurance will help keep your costs down since most plans provide at least partial, if not full, coverage. You’ll just want to make sure you find Los Angeles drug rehabs that are in-network with your provider, whether they are private insurance, Medi-Cal, or Medicaid. You can do that by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
Of the more than 1,500 treatment programs across the state:2
875 accept private health insurance
314 accept Medi-Cal insurance
587 accept Medicaid insurance
1,244 accept cash or self-payment
How Many People in LA Struggle With Drugs and Alcohol?
About 37,770 people in Los Angeles County are receiving addiction treatment in publicly-funded rehabs. However, approximately 725,000 addicted individuals are still in need of care, and another 2 million fall under the category of “risky users,” meaning they are at risk of developing a substance use disorder and could benefit from professional help as well.1
Here are some more statistics about Los Angeles County drug and alcohol use for people aged 12 and older:1
Percentage of LA residents who engage in binge drinking
Number of Los Angeles County residents who used marijuana in the past year (20.9%)
Percentage of LA residents who use illegal drugs like heroin
Number of drug- and alcohol-related deaths per year in Los Angeles County
- Just over 6% have alcohol use disorder
- Nearly 5% misuse prescription opioids like oxycodone
- About 2.5% use cocaine
- About 2.8% have an addiction to an illegal drug
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Los Angeles
California Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law: The Good Samaritan law of California was created in response to the rising number of fatal drug overdoses. Many of these deaths are preventable, but witnesses often avoid calling 911 out of fear they will be arrested. This law is designed to encourage seeking medical care for an overdose victim by providing a 911 caller limited protection from arrest, charge, and/or prosecution for low-level drug law violations. It’s important to note this law only protects people who possess small amounts of drugs in quantities, not suggesting trafficking or sales. If you and your friends are using illicit drugs and suspect that someone has overdosed, call 911 right away. The Good Samaritan law ensures you will not face drug charges after calling for help for your friend.
California Government Treatment Bills: The California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act is a bill aimed at providing patients receiving addiction treatment to be treated with respect and dignity. It outlines requirements for all California drug rehabs, such as individualized plans, dual-diagnosis care, evidence-based practices, and credentialed and qualified staff. Under Senate Bill 110, contingency management, a drug program offering tangible rewards and incentives for abstinent behaviors, such as drug-free urine tests, is now covered under Medi-Cal.5
Rehab for People Convicted of Non-Violent Crimes: Under Proposition 36, California allows those who have been convicted of non-violent crimes to choose between incarceration and probation with rehabilitation services.6
California Employee Protections for Addiction Treatment: California employers with 25 or more employees are required to accommodate employees who attend addiction treatment voluntarily. These accommodations can vary but may include vacation time, permission to use sick leave, or unpaid time off with job protection. Employees may also be able to receive time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
With countless accredited drug rehab centers in Los Angeles, finding the right program should be fairly easy. Get help today, call
800-681-1058
(
Who Answers?)
to explore your treatment options.
Resources
- FENTANYL OVERDOSES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. (2022). DATA REPORT.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2019). Costs of alcohol and other drug abuse/abuse. Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) Brief.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2017). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2005-2015. State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services.
- Winslow, B.T. and Hebert, M. (2016). Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder. American Family Physician 93(6): 457-465.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions.
- California Legislative Information. (2021). Bill Text.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults in the Criminal Justice System. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 44. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4056. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
