The exact rehab services you need will depend on your unique situation. If you have a severe addiction to alcohol that started after you experienced a traumatic event, you may need alcohol detox and behavioral therapies that help you face and overcome your trauma. If you became addicted to cannabis after you started using it to relieve stress, you may need cognitive-behavioral therapy or education that focuses on healthy stress management techniques.

The doctors and staff at the drug rehab center you choose will assess your addiction type and overall health at the time of intake and develop a customized treatment plan based on what you need to experience a full, safe recovery.

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Medical detox is a treatment that helps people safely withdraw from drugs and alcohol to overcome physical dependence on these substances. Detox treatments work differently from one another based on the substance that was being used. For instance, people withdrawing from alcohol are often closely monitored to reduce the risk of seizures, and are given medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms. People withdrawing from benzodiazepines are usually put on tapering schedules during which their dosages are gradually reduced until they are no longer physically dependent.

Medical detox is usually the first stage of addiction treatment. However, not all people may need medical detox, especially those who are not physically dependent on a substance.

Inpatient/Residential Rehab

Inpatient and residential rehab programs allow patients to live at the treatment facility for the duration of their programs, which usually last a minimum of 28 days. Inpatient rehab takes place in a hospital-like environment and is for those who may need medical attention and constant monitoring and supervision. Residential rehab takes place in a more relaxing home-like environment without the same high level of medical care and supervision as inpatient programs.

Inpatient and residential rehab are ideal for those who may need a safe environment to recover in without easy access to drugs and alcohol, and for those who may have a severe case of drug dependence or health conditions that put them at risk for complications during detox.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab programs allow patients to live at home while visiting the treatment facility for therapy one or more times per week. Outpatient rehab offers a lower level of care than inpatient/residential programs and is ideal for those who have safe home environments and who are highly motivated to stay sober.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy includes a variety of therapies that help people identify, address, and overcome the root causes of their substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy is offered as part of a drug rehab program after patients go through detox. Behavioral therapies for addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and 12-step facilitation therapy, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Dual diagnosis therapy is also available for those who also have a mental health disorder such as depression or PTSD.

Which Rehab Services Do You Absolutely Need?

Detox and behavioral therapy in a drug rehab program are both needed to help people experience a successful, long-term recovery. Detox addresses the physical nature of addiction, while behavioral therapy addresses the psychological nature of addiction. Without detox, those who are physically dependent on drugs and alcohol could face withdrawal-related complications that lead to coma, organ failure, and/or death. Without behavioral therapy, patients may not receive the education they need to learn how to effectively manage triggers such as stress that allow them to live healthier, drug-free lifestyles.

What Is the Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab will vary based on a wide range of factors, such as the type and number of treatments needed, whether you choose inpatient vs. outpatient rehab, and the location of the facility. Inpatient and residential rehab programs typically cost more than outpatient programs. Rehab centers that offer a variety of high-quality amenities in luxurious settings will usually charge more than rehab centers that offer basic amenities in a hospital-like setting.

The NIDA states that the average cost of methadone maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder is approximately $4,700 per year. A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment states that as of 2008, the weekly cost of a residential drug rehab program is between $607 and $918 per week.

The best way to determine the exact cost of drug rehab is to contact the treatment center directly. After confirming your insurance benefits, the drug rehab center can discuss which of its services and amenities are covered by your plan and which of those you can expect to pay for out of pocket.

Comparing the Cost of Rehab vs. the Cost of Addiction

Thinking about how to pay for drug rehab can be overwhelming, but it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of addiction treatment is often far lower than the cost of addiction itself if you do not seek treatment. You may also face extra costs for hospitalization and medical bills if your addiction leads to complications such as liver disease or overdose.

For instance, a person addicted to alcohol may spend $8 every day on a six-pack of beer, which equates to roughly $240 for a 30-day supply of beer, or $2,920 for a one-year supply. If that person enrolls in a 28-day residential treatment program, the total cost of treatment may range anywhere between $2,400 and $3,600. This is a relatively small cost to pay for treatment that could help that person stay sober for the rest of their life.

Drug and alcohol rehab is extremely cost-effective in countless other ways as well. The ability to stay sober can result in a higher number of job opportunities and promotions, and reduce medical costs generated on behalf of addiction-related health problems. Addiction treatment can also help people avoid legal costs and problems with the law that may occur on behalf of drunk driving or domestic violence.