Alcohol Rehab Cost: What Treatment Costs With & Without Insurance
Alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 28.3 million adults according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Understanding the cost of treatment is often the first barrier families face when seeking help — and it’s a barrier that’s frequently smaller than people expect, especially with insurance coverage.
What Does Alcohol Rehab Actually Cost?
The cost of inpatient alcohol rehabilitation varies significantly based on three primary factors: whether you have insurance, what type of plan you carry, and the length of your program.
With Insurance (PPO)
With a PPO insurance plan, your estimated out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day inpatient alcohol rehab program range from $6,000 to $18,000. This includes medical detox (typically 5-7 days for alcohol), the residential treatment program, and medication-assisted treatment where clinically appropriate.
PPO plans generally offer the most flexibility in choosing a treatment facility and the broadest level of coverage for addiction treatment. HMO and EPO plans may have lower premiums but typically require you to stay within network, which can limit facility options.
Without Insurance
Without insurance, the same 30-day program costs between $15,000 and $45,000. Medical detox alone — which is medically necessary for alcohol withdrawal and can be life-threatening without supervision — adds $1,750 to $5,600 to the total.
These numbers can feel overwhelming. But here’s what many people don’t realize: under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans are required to cover substance abuse treatment as an essential health benefit. Monthly premiums for a PPO plan that covers alcohol rehab typically cost between $350 and $700 — a fraction of the cost of paying out of pocket.
The Cost of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol is one of the few substances where withdrawal can be medically dangerous. Unlike opioid withdrawal, which is extremely uncomfortable but rarely fatal, alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and in severe cases, death. This makes medically supervised detox essential — not optional.
| Detox Component | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical monitoring (24/7) | $250 – $800/day | $150 – $600/day |
| Typical duration | 5 – 7 days | 5 – 7 days |
| Total detox cost | $1,750 – $5,600 | $1,050 – $4,200 |
| Medications (benzodiazepines, vitamins) | Included | Included |
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
MAT for alcohol use disorder uses FDA-approved medications alongside behavioral therapy. Three medications are currently approved:
Naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking. Available as a daily pill (ReVia) or monthly injection (Vivitrol). Cost without insurance: $200-$800/month depending on formulation.
Acamprosate (Campral) helps maintain abstinence by normalizing brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Most effective when started after detox is complete.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) creates an unpleasant physical reaction if you consume alcohol, serving as a deterrent. The oldest FDA-approved medication for alcohol dependence.
With insurance, most MAT medications have minimal copays. Without insurance, the monthly cost ranges from $200 to $800 depending on the medication and formulation.
Choosing the Right Program Length
| Duration | Best For | Insured Cost Range | Uninsured Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Mild to moderate AUD, strong support system | $6,000 – $18,000 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| 60 days | Moderate AUD, co-occurring conditions | $12,000 – $36,000 | $30,000 – $90,000 |
| 90 days | Severe AUD, multiple prior treatments, limited support | $18,000 – $54,000 | $45,000 – $135,000 |
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends a minimum of 90 days for most effective long-term outcomes. However, any duration of treatment is better than no treatment.
Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re currently uninsured, getting covered may be more accessible than you think — and it’s often the most cost-effective path to treatment. All ACA-compliant plans cover alcohol rehab as an essential health benefit. A licensed insurance specialist can help you understand your options, check for qualifying life events that allow enrollment outside open enrollment, and find plans that cover the treatment you need.
Sources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States.” 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2024.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for alcohol rehab
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover addiction treatment as an essential health benefit. Monthly premiums for a PPO plan that covers rehab typically range from $350 to $700 — a fraction of the cost of paying out of pocket.
A licensed insurance specialist can help you find the right plan, check for qualifying life events, and get covered — often within days.
Talk to an Insurance Specialist — Free & ConfidentialFrequently Asked Questions
How much does alcohol rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day inpatient alcohol rehab program typically costs between $15,000 and $45,000. Medical detox adds $1,750 to $5,600 for the initial 5-7 day withdrawal management period. Many facilities offer payment plans and sliding-scale options for uninsured individuals.
Does insurance cover alcohol rehab?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover substance use disorder treatment — including alcohol addiction — as an essential health benefit. This covers inpatient treatment, medical detox, outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment. PPO plans typically offer the broadest coverage and facility access.
How long is alcohol detox?
Medical detox for alcohol typically lasts 5 to 7 days. Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous — potentially life-threatening in severe cases — which is why medically supervised detox is strongly recommended. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak between 24 and 72 hours after the last drink.
Is 30 days enough for alcohol rehab?
A 30-day program is the standard minimum, but research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that treatment lasting 90 days or longer produces significantly better outcomes. The appropriate length depends on the severity of alcohol use disorder, co-occurring mental health conditions, and your personal circumstances.
What medications are used in alcohol addiction treatment?
FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone (reduces cravings), acamprosate (helps maintain abstinence), and disulfiram (creates an aversive reaction to alcohol). These are often used alongside therapy in a comprehensive treatment plan known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).