Expert Insights
In July 2022, fentanyl rapid test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples, became legal in Georgia.
Although the move to declassify the test strips as being drug paraphernalia was controversial, many public health experts promoted the move as part of a “harm reduction” strategy. Decriminalizing the strips and making them more easily available came in response to the alarming increase in fentanyl poisoning deaths, especially among non-intentional users.
As a recovery professional, I’m still on the fence about many harm reduction strategies. But I do agree with the move to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips.
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Atlanta?
The cost of drug rehab varies depending on the type of care provided. However, you can expect to pay less for rehab in Atlanta. In 2016, the cost of intensive inpatient across the nation in 2022 was $3,582, whereas residential treatment costs $7,084. Outpatient rehab for one person in Georgia was about $1,710
Inpatient rehab is more expensive than outpatient services. For outpatient treatment, you can expect to spend between $1,400 and $10,000 for 30 days. Inpatient rehab costs more and ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 based on the facility.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Georgia?
Georgia is ranked 8th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $55,475 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $136,766
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Georgia costs an average of $48,953
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Georgia costs an average of $8,134
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,227
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Atlanta?
State-funded drug and alcohol rehabs in Atlanta, Georgia, are delivered by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). State funding pays for community-based rehab throughout the state. DBHDD provides alcohol and drug rehab for uninsured people as well as those on Medicaid.
As of 2024, there were over 390 drug rehab facilities across the state of Georgia. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many offer free or low-cost addiction treatment:
308 accept self-payment or cash
165 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
191 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
149 accept state funded insurance coverage
198 accept private health insurance
142 offer free or low-cost treatment
21 offer free treatment for all clients
13 accept tribal funding
You may receive rehab from state-funded rehab if you have limited income or options. The state-funded hospital with drug and alcohol rehab for Atlanta, Georgia, is located in Decatur. You can call the Georgia Access and Crisis Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 to get connected to state-funded outpatient services. If you are experiencing a crisis, GCAL can also connect you to crisis services.
Resources
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average cost of drug rehab.
- US Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Mental health and substance use insurance help.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Treatment options.
- Atlanta Convention and Visitor Bureau. (2022). Welcome to our neighborhoods.
- Smart Recovery. (2022). Our approach: Key areas of awareness and change
