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Updated on September 18, 2023
8 min read

Alcohol Rehab Costs & Insurance Coverage

Mara Sugue
Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
Written by 
6 Sources Cited
Mara Sugue
Written by 
6 Sources Cited

Alcohol rehab is a treatment program designed to help someone recover from alcohol addiction. People who are seeking rehab may want to know the cost of treatment.

The cost of an alcohol rehab program varies widely. Some treatment options are free, such as programs from non-profit health centers or 12-step programs like AA and NA. However, more expensive options, like luxury centers, can cost up to $80,000 a month.

Most standard alcohol treatment centers fall in the middle, at around $2,000 to $25,000 a month. 

4 Factors that Affect Alcohol Rehab Costs 

Various factors affect alcohol rehab costs. The cost typically varies depending on the following:

1. Type of Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol rehab can be outpatient or inpatient. In general, inpatient treatment is more expensive. 

Inpatient treatment uses up more resources. This includes facility time, lodging, and meals in a structured environment. On the other hand, outpatient treatment is cheaper because you don’t have to be in the facility 24/7.

Here are the common types of alcohol rehab and their average costs:

Type of Alcohol RehabAverage Cost Range
Medically Supervised Alcohol Detox$250 to $800 per day for 30 days
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab$1,400 to $10,000 for 3 months
Partial Hospitalization Programs$350 to $450 per day
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab$5,000 to $80,000, depending on the length of stay

2. Location

Rehab centers in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, are more expensive. 

Going to rehab in the city is generally cheaper than rehab facilities that offer a view. For instance, rehab centers with an ocean view or in a secluded location will cost more.

3. Length of stay

Unless there’s a court order, you decide how long you want to stay in rehab. Longer programs are more expensive than shorter programs since the former is more intensive.

You will be evaluated before you enter rehab. Your suggested length of stay will depend on different factors, such as severity of use, physical and mental health, and readiness to change.  

4. Included services and amenities

Different rehab centers have different services and amenities. You can expect luxury centers to be more expensive than small-town center options.

Common services and amenities found in luxury centers are private rooms, swimming pools, and massage therapists. Other luxury centers allow clients to bring their children and pets.

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Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

In most cases, insurance covers rehab, as it involves treating a medical disease. 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)  requires all small group and individual insurance plans to cover 10 health benefit categories. These categories include mental health and substance abuse disorder services.7

The ACA also requires insurers that offer these services to provide coverage comparable to general medical and surgical care coverage.

As a result, health insurance companies such as Aetna and Humana now often cover inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and other services to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). 

What Types of Rehab Treatment Aren’t Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance policies don’t cover the “luxury services” some drug rehab programs offer. These may include:

  • Recreation
  • Gourmet food
  • Holistic services
  • Non-medical amenities

Remember that some states allow private insurance companies to deny coverage to intoxicated people when they seek services. This policy usually applies to emergency treatment related to illnesses or injuries caused by intoxication.

Rehab Costs Without Insurance

Here’s what you can expect to pay for the following 30-day programs:6

  • Outpatient: $1,000 to $10,000
  • Intensive Outpatient: $3,500 and $11,000
  • Partial Hospitalization: $7,000 and $20,000
  • Residential: A few thousand for basic inpatient and up to $25,000 or more for a luxury program
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How to Find American Addiction Centers Covered Under Your Insurance

You can view the complete list of accredited American Addiction Centers (AAC) and their covered substance abuse services when you compare plans in the marketplace. Afterward, call your insurance provider to confirm the full list of covered benefits.

Once you find a plan, take the following steps as you look for a drug and alcohol rehab center that accepts your health insurance coverage:

  1. Shop around treatment centers: Check out various substance abuse rehabilitation centers to find one that best suits your needs. Confirm whether or not they accept your plan since some facilities may be limited for those with Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.
  2. Confirm that your providers accept your plan: Not all doctors take the same insurance plans, even if they work at the same rehab center.
  3. Ask for help: If you have questions or concerns, check out the Find Local Help tool. This tool will connect you to your area's navigator, agent, or broker. You can also research financial assistance options.
  4. Consider drug addiction treatment options: If you’re sold on a specific drug rehabilitation center, ensure they provide the drug rehab services you need. Ask your primary physician whether they recommend outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, or hybrid environments.
  5. Visit the treatment facility: Different drug treatment facilities have unique rooms, amenities, and environments. State-funded or Free rehab centers will not be identical to private rehab facilities.
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Other Ways to Pay for Alcohol Rehab

Free and low-cost payment options for alcohol rehab are available for those who don’t have insurance. Some examples include:

Private Funding and Financing

Rehab can be expensive. You may need to secure private financing for treatment if you’re uninsured and don’t qualify for federal or state assistance.

Some treatment centers offer scholarships. Speak to the admissions office about financing before you decide on a facility.

Alternatively, the treatment center may offer financing plans so you can make payments once you leave. Sometimes, this arrangement is provided through a third-party lender that can create a loan package.

Fundraising or Crowdfunding

Family and friends can help you pay for treatment, too. You can ask them to make payments directly to the treatment center. This way, there’s no question about how the money is used.

Friends and family may also be able to help raise money for your rehab using crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe.

State and Local Government Programs 

Federally funded, state-run alcohol treatment programs can help some people. Depending on the state, these programs may be included under a behavioral health department or separate agency. 

State and local government programs can offer outpatient and inpatient treatment and aftercare support services. 

These public programs have specific requirements for people to qualify for assistance, such as:

  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof of residence in the program’s state
  • The degree and history of the person’s addiction
  • A demonstrated inability to afford other treatment options based on income and other factors

There’s usually a waiting list to get into these programs. However, most offer some support while you wait for an opening.

SAMHSA Grants

One of the block grants delivered through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is a source of federal funding for state addiction treatment programs. 

The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) provides alcohol prevention and drug treatment programs for specific population groups.

Examples of people who qualify for this type of treatment are pregnant and postpartum women and intravenous drug users.

Non-profit treatment centers

Non-profit addiction treatment programs are also available at little or no cost. 

For example, The Salvation Army has a program that requires no fees. However, people must be willing to work a 40-hour week to cover the cost of their room and board.

Participants work in the warehouses sorting donated items or assisting with admin duties in exchange for a free 6-month treatment program.

Teen Challenge is a non-profit that provides addiction treatment for teens and adults at a low cost. The facility’s fees differ by location. Check your local program for the cost of rehab through Teen Challenge.

The Cost of Addiction vs. Rehab

Investing in rehab can be daunting, but it’s better than the long-term cost of addiction. Addiction can affect you physically, mentally, and financially. Here are some of the benefits of investing in rehab:

Cost-Effective Option 

Addiction is expensive. Drinking alcohol consistently can be costly. 

For example, an alcoholic who drinks daily could spend at least $3,000 a year on alcohol alone. A 10-year addiction could cost around $30,000 (just for the cost of the alcohol).

Going to rehab will help you overcome alcohol addiction. This means you’ll spend less money on alcohol in the long run. It also means saving money on alcohol-related health problems and other costs.

Improves Your Mental and Physical Health

Alcohol addiction interferes with day-to-day life. You can't perform at work or school because you constantly feel sick and hungover. 

Alcohol is also terrible for the body and can cause many health problems like liver disease, cancer, mental health issues, and memory disorders. Treating these alcohol-related health problems is more expensive than going to rehab.

If you want a better quality of life, it's time to get sober.

Improves Your Relationships

Going to rehab can help you get back on track with your life.

Alcohol addiction also often comes with workplace problems. It makes it hard to be productive, making job advancement unlikely and losing your job more likely. 

The effects of alcoholism also negatively impact those around you. Friends and family members may become angry or upset when they see you drinking. They may also have a harder time trusting you if you continue to drink.

Offers a Safe and Effective Environment for Recovery

Alcohol rehab offers customized and holistic care. You’re medically supervised and evaluated before starting treatment. Rehab centers also provide ongoing support even if you’ve left the facility.

Trying to recover from alcoholism alone is not enough. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, you must receive professional help. This will ensure your success in overcoming this disease.

Although the upfront costs of alcohol rehab are high, it’s worth every penny. Going to rehab is an investment that will help you avoid years of addiction-related health problems.

Summary

Alcohol rehab is an effective way to treat alcohol addiction. However, the cost of rehab can be daunting. Insurance is one way to pay for part of rehab. Other payment options include non-profit organizations and financing.

Updated on September 18, 2023
6 sources cited
Updated on September 18, 2023
All Alcoholrehabhelp content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.
  1. Traffic Safety Facts 2016 data: alcohol-impaired driving. U.S. Department of Transportation, 2017.
  2. Abraham et al. “The Affordable Care Act Transformation of Substance Use Disorder Treatment.” American journal of public health, 2017.
  3. Affordable Care Act Expands Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits and Federal Parity Protections for 62 Million Americans.” Office of the Assistant Secretary For Planning and Evaluation, 2013.
  4. Huebner, R.B., and Kantor, L.W. “Advances in alcoholism treatment.” Alcohol research & health: the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2011.
  5. "A Detailed Guide to Drug Rehab Costs Without Insurance." The Recovery Village, 2021.
  6. "How Much Does Rehab Cost With Insurance?" The Recovery Village, 2021.
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