One of the biggest reasons why people hate the idea of rehab is the irrational treatment fees. Whether it’s a recovering addict or someone searching for a rehab center for their loved one, the treatment fees can burn a hole in anyone’s pocket. Depending on the facility and treatment program, it can easily start from $5,000 a month and escalate to $50,000. So, what can a person do to afford rehab? Is there an affordable alternative to these crazy numbers? In order to answer this question, we’ll have to break down the costs that go into a rehab program first, so let’s get right to it.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Rehab
First of all, there are a few factors that are calculated into the cost of rehab. Some of these costs are upfront and obvious while others are hidden costs. These factors go as follows:
The Facility and Amenities
The facility you choose and the social backgrounds of their clients make all the difference in the rehab costs. Choosing a fancy facility that offers a spa, massage, acupuncture, and swimming pools will certainly be expensive, contrary to choosing a rundown rehab facility that houses multiple people per room. Luxurious rehab centers can easily pass the ten thousand dollars per month benchmark. Factors such as the location, the amenities, and the services provided will all play a big role in the final check.
The Treatment Program
When it comes to the treatment program itself, the way it’s designed will also affect the cost. Here are the main services provided, together or each on its own, in a rehab program:
1. Detox
Detox is naturally included in any rehab program. In case you’re looking for an outpatient detox or an additional detox session, you can expect it to range from $1,000 to $1,500. For more dangerous types of addiction, the regular monitoring will add an extra charge to these numbers.
2. Inpatient
Inpatient programs are usually recommended for severe addiction cases where the patient can’t be trusted to be left alone. These programs extend for a longer period, with 30-day programs starting from $6,000 and up to $20,000. Longer programs extending from 60 to 90 days range from $12,000 to $60,000.
3. Outpatient
For more moderate cases of addiction, outpatient programs can be both more practical and affordable. They can start from $5,000 to $10,000 for a 3-month treatment period. The price can vary according to the duration of the session, the treatment administered, and the number of visits.
4. Medications
Once again, the severity of the addiction will dictate the kind of medications needed. The more severe the addiction, the more expensive and intensive the medication regimen. While some forms of addictions don’t even need medications, others can spend $4,700 for a year-long treatment.
Food
More often than not, the rehabilitation therapy will include the nutritional plan as well. Some centers will provide limited food options, while others will provide more expensive nutritional plans that include organic food, well-balanced meals, and regular meal-preparations.
Staff
Depending on the staff available and the monitoring needs, the price can vary greatly. The higher the certifications and qualifications of both the professional and resident assistant staff, the higher the cost. However, it’s always better to trust certified personnel than opt for less qualified yet affordable options.
Activities
If the program takes rehab into the next level of therapy, you can expect added costs. Activities such as camping, group therapies, and outdoor sessions are necessary for a wholesome treatment, but they’ll come with their own costs.
Choosing an Affordable Program
While you can steer away from expensive luxuries, there are some things that can’t be crossed out of rehabilitation therapy. If you’re in over your head with the costs expected of you, you’ll be glad to know there are a few ways you can finance the program. Here’s what you can do:
Oversees Alternatives
It’s no secret that rehabilitation therapy is much more expensive in certain areas than others. If you live in an expensive country, you can take a leaf out of the Australians’ book and look for a rehab center overseas. When looking for more affordable options, many Australians seek Perth rehab alternatives overseas in Asia. You can find much more affordable treatment options in East Asian countries like Thailand, for example.
Insurance
A great place to start would be to check your insurance for addiction treatment benefits. There’s a high chance that your private insurance covers this area. You can also look up other types of public insurance like Medicaid and Medicare and check if you qualify.
Non-profit and State-Funded
You’ll also find many affordable non-profit and state-funded rehab programs. These programs target low-income individuals who couldn’t afford treatment otherwise, so you can check if you qualify.
Making the choice to go to rehab can be overwhelming on its own, and the financial burden certainly doesn’t help. Many rehab programs are extremely luxurious, which is why their prices are high. However, you can find an affordable program by understanding what you really need and then search for financing options to help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.