Expert Insights
Washington, D.C. offers so many opportunities for career growth, networking, and other ways to lead a fruitful life. However, after living in our nation’s capital for well over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly recreational drug use can morph into severe substance abuse disorders. In my case, I witnessed that firsthand with my older brother.
Over the years, I had my ups and downs helping my brother get the addiction support and mental health care he needed in D.C.
I found that D.C. had many programs and services to help struggling addicts, many of which were run by charitable organizations, churches, or community initiatives. There was also a fair share of public resources, which were helpful during times of crisis.
A common theme I found, though, is that many services are best for short term, immediate care. I was always able to get my brother help when he needed it, but the real struggle was finding affordable long term treatment options.
When you look at the city as a whole, the overdose death rate in DC is nearly 97% higher than the national average, according to USA Facts. This showcases the need for long term recovery programs, even in one of the most prominent cities in the nation.
~ Nadia El-Yaouti, M.Ed.
How Expensive is Rehab in Washington DC?
Many factors can influence your out-of-pocket costs for addiction treatment. Those factors include treatment setting, amenities offered, and the duration of the program.
Inpatient rehab typically costs more than outpatient because you live full-time at the facility. In addition, any luxury amenities offered, such as gourmet food, private rooms, and spa treatments, also add to the overall price.
Private insurance helps to keep costs down, as these plans typically cover at least some of your rehab costs when the facility is in network with your insurance plan. You can check your coverage by calling the number on the back of your insurance card or reaching out to one of our treatment support specialists.
If insurance or self-pay isn’t an option, you can explore the many free and state-funded rehab programs available in the DC area.
Free Treatment Options in Washington DC
The District of Columbia offers the Drug Treatment Choice Program. This provides residents access to detox services, residential treatment, and outpatient treatment based on their level of need. This program includes rehabs that are covered by Medicaid or Medicare, as well as options for those without any insurance.
Other than a state-funded rehab, you can also make treatment more affordable by looking for individual rehab scholarships, choosing a rehab with a sliding scale payment plan based on your monthly income, or choosing a rehab that is covered by insurance, whether that’s Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
Does DC have a Drug and Alcohol Problem?
Substance use disorder is a serious problem in Washington DC Consider these alcohol and drug stats for DC:
1 in 8 District of Columbia residents has a substance use disorder.
10% of District of Columbia residents struggle with alcohol misuse.
Opioid overdose deaths in DC have nearly doubled since 2018.
In 2020, 411 people died in the District of Columbia from an opioid overdose.
Around 76% of all fatal opioid overdoses happened among adults between the ages of 40-69 years old.
In 2020, 94% of opioid overdose cases in the District of Columbia involved fentanyl.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral Health Barometer: District of Columbia, Volume 6.
- Government of the District of Columbia, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (2021, April 20). Opioid-related Fatal Overdoses: January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2021.
- C. Health. (2021, June 3). D.C. Health Launches MyRecoveryDC to Raise Awareness of Addiction Treatment Services, Share Inspirational Stories of D.C. Residents in Recovery.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, September 18). Principles of Effective Treatment.
- Department of Behavioral Health. (2020, September 30). Naloxone Available at 35 Sites Across the District
