Las Vegas Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
The 2019–2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health asked people in Nevada about their alcohol and drug use in the previous month. This is what the survey showed:1
618,000 adults had binged alcohol
10,000 adolescents (12 to 17 years old) had binged alcohol
503,000 adults had used illicit drugs
20,000 adolescents (12 to 17 years old) had used illicit drugs
The same survey found that 263,000 adults in Nevada were addicted to alcohol. And in 2020 alone, 360,000 adults in Nevada had substance use disorder (SUD).1 SUD is defined as being mentally, inwardly compelled to use illicit drugs or prescription medications in ways other than directed.
In 2018, 372 people died from opioid (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, and prescription narcotics) overdoses in Nevada. Statewide, healthcare providers wrote 55 opioid pain medicine prescriptions per 100 people. That is slightly higher than the national average.2
A survey showed 11,573 people were in 109 facilities for alcohol or drug rehab in Nevada on a single day—March 31, 2020. Of those in treatment that day, 2,142 were younger than 18 years of age. Roughly half were receiving treatment for both alcohol and drug use.3
Cost of Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Las Vegas
Rehab costs less than not treating your addiction.4 Continuing to misuse substances affects your health, relationships, and ability to work.
The cost of alcohol or drug rehab in Las Vegas depends on a few factors:
- Location: Grand vistas of deserts or mountains may influence the cost
- Facility type: Outpatient treatment generally costs less than inpatient care
- Program size: Large programs generally cost less
- Insurance: Your insurance coverage and networks can influence the price
- Types of treatments: Wide varieties of treatment options on offer may increase costs
- Length of the program: Typically, these last 30 to 90 days
- Extra amenities: Gyms, pools, spas, massage therapy, and nutritionists can cost more
For inpatient rehab centers, a 30-day stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars, including room and board. Outpatient treatments also can cost several thousand dollars for 30 days of treatment. However, these numbers should not keep you from seeking needed care. You have options that can reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses.
Payment Methods for Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Nevada
Often, a facility will work with you to establish payment options. These can be sliding-scale programs, where your income will be evaluated, and your costs adjusted so you can pay within your means. Other facilities may offer financing so you can pay across monthly installments over various time periods. Moreover, you may find that your private insurance has in-network coverage for an alcohol or drug rehab in Las Vegas. Contacting your provider can confirm this.
Of the 109 Nevada rehab facilities that responded to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment and Services:12
92 accept cash or self-payment
47 accept federal military insurance (Tricare)
89 accept Medicaid
41 accept Medicare
77 accept private health insurance
4 accept no payment and offer free treatment
26 accept Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban (ITU) funds
If you have private insurance, you may have more access to rehab treatment, as some facilities cap the number of available Medicaid beds.
Cost of Inpatient Rehab Under Medicare Part A
Additionally, Medicare lists their deductible and coinsurance costs for the various time periods in which you stay at an inpatient rehab. As of this writing, the benefit period reflects these costs for medically necessary care:13
- $1,556 deductible for Days 1-60
- $389 coinsurance per day for Days 61-90
- Days 91 and beyond: $778 coinsurance every “lifetime reserve” day for each benefit period (up to a maximum of 60 reserve days over your lifetime)
However, Medicare does not cover certain services, such as:13
- Private duty nursing care
- In-room television or phone
- Personal amenities (toothpaste, socks, etc.)
- Private rooming unless it is established to be medically necessary
Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Las Vegas
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more people can qualify for insurance. It is important to know that treatment for mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) is covered under the ACA. For alcohol and drug rehab in Las Vegas, this includes outpatient and inpatient care to assess and treat SUDs. Specifically, ACA insurance in Nevada covers such services as counseling, behavioral health treatment, and psychotherapy.14
If you do not qualify for ACA coverage because income exceeds the federal poverty level by 400%, you may qualify for low-cost or free rehabs that are subsidized by grants and government funding. To be eligible for low-cost or free rehab, you may need to show you are a resident of Nevada, what your income is, and any proof of insurance or lack of insurance.
Please call
800-926-9037
(
Who Answers?)
to speak to a specialist about a low-cost or free drug or alcohol rehab in Las Vegas.
How Do I Pay for Alcohol or Drug Rehab in Las Vegas?
If you are uninsured, you do not qualify for free rehab, or you cannot find free beds and face a long wait for an opening, you still have options to get treatment. Here are some ways to help cover or reduce the cost of rehab.
Choose a Program that Offers Payment Plans: Accounting departments at rehab facilities may work with you to set up a payment schedule that fits your budget and helps you begin treatment immediately. Verify with them beforehand if you are traveling from out of state.
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: Scholarships can partially or fully cover treatment costs for those who qualify. Start by asking the rehab facility if it offers scholarships. Corporations, churches, charities, and nonprofit organizations also offer scholarships. For help finding scholarships, check help.org.15 Even those with private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare can apply and qualify for scholarships. Scholarship funds can be used for both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities.
Find a Sliding-Scale Rehab Program
Some facilities for alcohol and drug rehab in Las Vegas adjust their fees according to your ability to pay. A sliding-scale payment plan lets you move forward with treatment while making affordable, regular payments that are calculated based on your income.
Please call
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
to speak to a treatment specialist about your options.
Popular Centers for Alcohol or Drug Rehab in Las Vegas
Dozens of centers exist for inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Las Vegas. We have selected several to give you an idea of the many treatment options in the city.
Desert Hope
Desert Hope has both residential and outpatient care. It offers treatment for alcohol misuse, substance use disorder, and dual diagnoses, which are combined mental health and substance use disorders. It offers rehab for veterans and first responders as well as PTSD treatment. Treatments include drug and alcohol detox, medication therapy, and behavioral therapy.
Desert Hope accepts insurance and self-pay. This center also has sliding-scale fees based on your income and will set up payment plans.
WestCare Las Vegas Community Triage Center
WestCare Las Vegas Community Triage Center provides alcohol and drug rehab to adults and young adults, including opioid addiction treatment. It works with social services to provide aftercare.
WestCare accepts private insurance, military insurance, Medicaid, and self-pay. It has sliding-scale fees and payment plans.
Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada
Outpatient and intensive outpatient care at Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada includes treatment for adults with alcohol and substance use disorder as well as dual diagnosis. The facility is young adult and LGBTQ+ friendly.
It accepts Medicaid, private insurance, military insurance, and self-pay. It also assists with financial aid and sliding-scale fee schedules.
The Nestled Recovery
The Nestled Recovery is an upscale residential rehab that uses a holistic approach. Talk therapy and a 12-step program incorporate yoga, equine therapy, and art therapy. It welcomes active-duty military and veterans and provides dual diagnosis treatment.
It accepts private insurance and self-pay.
Las Vegas Rescue Mission Recovery Program
Las Vegas Rescue Mission Recovery Program provides free treatment to men with alcohol and substance use disorder. It has sober living homes and gives support with aftercare.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab in Las Vegas
Inpatient rehab is also called hospital or residential treatment. During an inpatient stay, you will devote your time and attention to treating your addiction with counseling, group sessions, and other types of therapy offered.
Outpatient or community-based rehab is provided outside of a hospital or medical facility. In Nevada, 97% of adult clients attended outpatient rehab.2 Three levels of treatment exist for outpatient rehab:
Standard outpatient treatment requires the least time commitment to participate, usually requiring only a few hours of meetings per week in individual therapy or support groups. This type of rehab is perfect for someone in long-term recovery who just needs ongoing counseling and life skills coaching to avoid relapsing
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are more involved than the standard treatment, requiring a few hours of therapy several days a week.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the most intensive, with several hours in an inpatient setting each day. Many people enter PHPs after finishing inpatient rehab or detox programs.
Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment means you live and work on your recovery in the rehab facility. Treatment typically runs for 30, 60, or 90 days. You are given room, board, and constant access to staff during that time. Benefits include:
- Safe environment for detox or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs
- Support of peers undergoing treatment for addiction; a sense of community
- Less access to alcohol or drugs
- Evidence of greater treatment success
Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
With outpatient addiction treatment, you live at home. Benefits include:
- More flexibility so you can keep working, going to school, or helping your family
- More privacy
- More day-to-day support from your loved ones and friends
- Cheaper price than inpatient rehab
- Empowerment and confidence gained by refusing alcohol and drugs
- Easier transition from rehab to living in recovery
Types of Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Las Vegas
With numerous drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Las Vegas, one is likely to fit your personal and financial needs. Such rehab centers can align with your schedule and support you in a way that works best for you.
Holistic Rehab Holistic rehab includes alternative medications and treatment aimed at helping your mind, body, and spirit recover from addiction. Therapies include yoga, acupuncture, Reiki therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, and much more.
Christian and Faith-Based Rehab Christian and faith-based rehab programs include religion or spiritual components. Treatment includes participating in prayer groups, devotional time, meditation, mindfulness, and religious or philosophical discussions. Faith-based treatment is geared toward helping you accept the past, gain inner strength, and achieve long-term recovery.
Luxury Rehab Luxury rehabs provide patients with a relaxing resort-like environment to jumpstart their addiction recovery. Every luxury treatment program is different but they typically provide upscale features, such as swimming pools, massage therapy, spa treatment, equine therapy, gourmet meals, and more.
Executive Rehab Executive rehab allows you to continue working while getting the alcohol and drug treatment you need. Many inpatient executive rehab facilities have upscale amenities, including private office space. Outpatient executive rehab specializes in treating working professionals and provides after-work sessions.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 45% of those addicted to alcohol or drugs also have a mental health diagnosis. In Nevada, 71% of those in rehab on March 31, 2020, had both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.2
Mental health disorders and addiction often co-occur due to trauma or stress. You may have inherited a mental health condition or substance use disorder from a parent. Mental health disorders can lead to substance use disorder. Vice versa, addiction to drugs or misuse of alcohol can lead to mental health disorders.
If you rely on alcohol or drugs to alleviate mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or extreme mood shifts, you should seek dual-diagnosis treatment.
- Depression and Addiction
More than 30% of people with major depression have co-occurring alcohol and/or substance use disorder.5 You may drink alcohol to escape your symptoms of depression. Conversely, depressants like alcohol can cause dysphoric moods such as grief or sadness. - Anxiety and Addiction
An estimated 19% of people suffer from generalized anxiety disorder.6 Your healthcare provider may have prescribed benzodiazepines (a.k.a., benzos such as Valium, Ativan, or Klonopin) to treat anxiety. Unfortunately, benzos are highly addictive. If you have anxiety and self-medicate with benzos or alcohol, seek treatment at a dual-diagnosis rehab. - PTSD and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who is personally traumatized or witnesses someone else being traumatized. Military personnel, veterans, and first responders risk developing PTSD. And with PTSD comes a higher risk of substance use disorder.
A nationwide study showed that 46% of people with full PTSD have substance use disorder, mainly with alcohol.7 The rate of alcohol or substance use disorder among US combat military veterans returning from Afghanistan or Iraq was even higher at 64%.8
People with PTSD often medicate themselves with alcohol or drugs to combat their sadness, nightmares, and anxiety. If you have the same experience, look for a dual-diagnosis rehab that offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a leading treatment for PTSD. - Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
In the U.S., 4.4% of people experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives.9 While affected, they have dramatic mood and energy swings that affect their ability to concentrate and function in day-to-day activities. More than 40% of people with bipolar disorder use alcohol or drugs to help with mood swings.10
If you have bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies can help you make healthier choices. Group therapy provides support, camaraderie, and accountability. - Personality Disorders and Addiction
Anywhere from 35% to 73% of people with alcohol or drug addiction have a personality disorder.11 People with antisocial personality disorder may lean toward cocaine use. Socially awkward people with an avoidant personality disorder may turn to alcohol use.
Look for an alcohol and drug rehab near you that offers dual diagnosis treatment, including cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies.
Call
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
for help from one of our specialists.
Types of Therapy Used in Drug or Alcohol Rehab
In addition to medications, various individual and group therapies may help you achieve lasting recovery:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients identify their own problematic thought patterns and actions, and to increase their understanding of how these behaviors impact their substance use. CBT is based on the idea that psychological problems are often rooted in cognitive distortions, or faulty ways of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy intended to help people change problematic thoughts and behaviors by learning to manage and change negative emotions, rather than trying to escape from them.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a form of therapy that helps individuals strengthen their internal motivation and create a plan for change. Individuals with SUDs are often ambivalent about changing their behaviors, even when they are aware of the damage caused by their addiction. MET has been used to improve engagement with treatment programs and reduce problematic behaviors.
Contingency Management
Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to help build positive habits. This approach uses strategic rewards or incentives to encourage behaviors such as attending treatment sessions and engaging in recovery-focused activities.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can be highly beneficial to individuals in a drug or alcohol treatment program. Group counseling provides a safe environment in which patients can build their interpersonal communication skills and learn from others who have been in their situation.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is integral to many rehab programs. Research shows that when combined with individual counseling, family therapy can help reduce stress, improve mental health conditions, and help prevent relapse.12
Should I Travel for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Las Vegas?
Traveling can have positive outcomes on your recovery. Putting some distance between you and anything in your home environment can simplify and ease your road to lasting recovery. Without the stressors and pressures of your daily routine, you allow yourself the space to consider your addictive lifestyle openly and honestly.
Neighborhoods in Las Vegas to Consider for Treatment
Summerlin is a small, upscale neighborhood in Las Vegas with several alcohol and drug rehabs. The community has outdoor recreation (with hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area) and golfing, plus art, music, and theater.
Seven Hills, south of downtown, is safe and quiet. Amenities include parks, golf courses, tennis courts, and walking trails for you to enjoy.
Substance Use Laws in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip and Las Vegas are technically under different jurisdictions. The Strip falls under Clark County laws. Regarding alcohol and drugs, they basically agree. Here are several laws on the books.
Open Container Laws: Both Las Vegas and the Strip allow open alcohol containers, provided the containers are not glass. Plastic and paper cups are okay. The Strip allows an aluminum open container, though, and Las Vegas does not. However, having an open container in a car is illegal.17
Drinking in Public or Public Intoxication:
Drinking in public and public intoxication are legal in Las Vegas. However, breaching the peace may amount to a misdemeanor.18 Where you drink has limitations. You cannot drink within 1,000 feet of:
- Public or private schools
- Places of worship
- Hospitals
- Bus stops
- Drug or alcohol rehab facilities
Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program: For minor drug offenses, law enforcement personnel may opt to bypass the criminal justice system altogether and refer you for alcohol and drug treatment. Police may involve a mobile outreach team with drug and alcohol counselors to provide you with support on the spot.
Resources
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). (2022). 2019-2020 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Estimated Totals (in Thousands) (50 States and the District of Columbia). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Nevada: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services Report.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition): Is drug addiction treatment worth the cost?
- Quello, S. B., Brady, K. T., & Sonne, S. C. (2005). Mood Disorders and Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Comorbidity. Science & Practice Perspectives. 3(1), 13-21.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2017). Anxiety Disorders.
- Pietzrak, R. H., Goldstein, R. B., Southwick, S. M., & Grant, B. F. (2011). Prevalence and Axis I Comorbidity of Full and Partial Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United States: Results on Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Journal of Anxiety Disorders 25(3), 456-465.
- U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs. (2020). PTSD: National Center for PTSD.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.) Bipolar Disorder.
- Ma, M., Coles, A. S., & George, T. P. (2018). Understanding and Treating Co-Occurring Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder. Psychiatric Times, 35(9).
- Parmar, A., & Kaloiya, G. (2018). Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative Review. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(6), 517-527.
- National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). (2022). 2020 N-SSATS State Profile: Nevada. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.
- Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Inpatient rehabilitation care. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Nevada Health Link. (2021). Health Insurance Plan Options & What’s Covered. State of Nevada Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.
- Help.org. (2022). Scholarships for Drug and Alcohol Rehab. OneCare Media, LLC.
- Ten Thousand Beds, Inc. (2021). How to Apply for a Scholarship.
- Legislature of the State of Nevada. (2011). NRS Chapter 484B.150 Drinking alcoholic beverage while driving motor vehicle unlawful; open container of alcoholic beverage; additional penalty for violation committed in work zone or pedestrian safety zone.
- Legislature of the State of Nevada. (2010). NRS Chapter 458.260 Intoxication not public offense; exceptions.
