How Much Does Detox Cost? What You Should Expect
Get answers to questions like “how much does detox cost?” and “where can I get help for my addiction?” here.
Detox: The Basics
If you are ready to stop drinking or using drugs, detox is a vital first step toward safely achieving lasting sobriety. Keep in mind that detox does not look the same for everyone. Someone who lives with a severe addiction to drugs or alcohol may require longer or different treatment than someone with a mild addiction. Treatment may also look different if you have a co-occurring condition (i.e. a substance use disorder and a mental health condition). When researching “how much does detox cost,” it is important to consider the unique characteristics and elements of the ideal treatment program for you.
What Is the Typical Cost of Detox?
How much does detox cost on average? There are several items to consider when establishing the cost from person to person. These factors may include:
- the type of substance or substances used
- the necessary duration of the detox program
- the severity of the addiction
- underlying medical conditions or co-occurring mental health conditions
- the individual’s history with detox and addiction treatment
Each of these factors helps determine the ideal detox program type and level of care. It can also help you know which questions to ask when talking to admissions providers at a Los Angeles area detox program.
How Much Does Detox Cost per Program?
Another factor that contributes to the cost of detox is the type of detox program needed. Some inpatient rehab programs include detox as part of their comprehensive treatment program. In this case, the cost of detox is calculated as part of the overall treatment cost. Other detox programs are stand-alone programs, and their fee structure is different.
The typical cost of rehab does vary from program to program. In general, inpatient medical detox programs range in price from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the facility and services offered during detox.1
At-Home Detox vs. In-Person Detox
How much does detox cost when done at home versus in person? There are many different types of detox programs. The cost varies based on the kind of program that best meets your needs. At-home or outpatient detox programs provide services to help you achieve sobriety without consistent medical monitoring. For some, these programs may be enough to help them quit alcohol or drugs.
Others, especially someone with a severe addiction or someone who has relapsed after completing treatment, need a more intensive detox environment. Residential (in-person) and subacute detox options provide a higher level of clinical care.
Does Insurance Cover Detox?
How much does detox cost with insurance? This is one of the first questions someone seeking help to achieve sobriety asks. The cost of detox and subsequent treatment is often the single most significant barrier to treatment.
Types of Treatment and Coverage Opportunities
There are several treatment types and different ways to cover the cost. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed, insurance providers had greater flexibility to limit healthcare coverage for addiction treatment. The ACA changed that.
Under the ACA, alcohol and drug use disorders are now included as part of the ten essential health benefits of the ACA. This means health insurance policies must treat addiction and mental health treatment needs like any other medical condition, even if the addiction is pre-existing. Depending on your chosen ACA plan, your health insurance will cover between 60 and 90% of treatment, including detox.2
Addition Options
The Cost of Detox vs. The Cost of Addiction
While it is indeed true that detox and rehab are expensive, the cost of achieving sobriety is far less than the cost of addiction. When considering questions like “how much does detox cost?” and “is going to rehab worth it?” it is essential to consider the cost of an alcohol use disorder. If you or a loved one are addicted to alcohol and are a heavy drinker, the financial cost can be significant.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define heavy drinking as fifteen or more drinks for men and eight or more for women. A standard drink is equal to 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.4
The Cost of Alcohol
- One 12-ounce beer (with 5% alcohol by volume, ABV)
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces (a shot) of liquor
Other Costs of Addiction
In addition to the cost of alcohol, untreated alcohol addiction also has other costs. Someone with alcohol addiction also experiences potential legal challenges, physical and emotional health problems, lost relationships, and problems with employment.
Although it can be challenging to put a dollar value on lost relationships and other side effects of drinking, one can see that the answer to “how much does detox cost” is likely less than the cost of remaining addicted to alcohol.
Detox and Recovery at Essence Healthcare
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction and searching for answers to “how much does detox cost?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Essence Healthcare is here to help.
The detox program at Essence Healthcare provides 24/7 care and support throughout all stages of detox. Our medical and mental health providers will work with you or your loved one to develop a plan of care that focuses on your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs as you begin your recovery. We understand everyone is different, and your treatment needs can change during detox and beyond. Should this happen, we will help to alter your treatment plan to ensure your care continues to meet your goals.
Reach Out Today: Invest In Your Wellness and Recovery
If you are ready to quit alcohol and step into a future free from addiction, contact a member of our admissions team today to ask questions such as “how much does detox cost?” and “how can I get started today?”
Resources
- https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/675-principles-of-drug-addiction-treatment-a-research-based-guide-third-edition.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308192/
- https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/behavioral-health-services/substance-use-disorders/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#heavyDrinking
- https://d2c15us614ym2e.cloudfront.net/pdfs/beer-corridorwine.pdf
