Cocaine Rehab Cost: What Treatment Costs With & Without Insurance
Cocaine use disorder affects approximately 1.4 million Americans, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Unlike opioid use disorder, there are currently no FDA-approved medications for cocaine addiction, making behavioral therapies and comprehensive residential treatment the primary evidence-based approaches. Understanding treatment costs is essential for families seeking effective care.
What Does Cocaine Rehab Actually Cost?
The cost of inpatient cocaine rehabilitation varies based on insurance coverage, program length, and the intensity of behavioral therapy provided. Cocaine treatment typically costs less than opioid treatment because there are no medication-assisted treatment (MAT) costs, but high-quality programs invest heavily in evidence-based behavioral therapies.
With Insurance (PPO)
With a PPO insurance plan, your estimated out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day inpatient cocaine rehab program range from $5,500 to $18,000. This includes medical stabilization (3-7 days), residential treatment, and evidence-based behavioral therapies including contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy.
PPO plans offer the most flexibility in facility selection and typically have comprehensive coverage for behavioral health services. HMO and EPO plans may have lower premiums but require in-network facilities and may limit certain specialized therapies.
Without Insurance
Without insurance, the same 30-day program costs between $14,000 and $42,000. Medical stabilization during the acute withdrawal phase — while not medically dangerous like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal — adds $1,200 to $4,500. This supervised period improves retention by managing the psychological discomfort of early abstinence.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. A PPO plan with comprehensive addiction coverage typically costs $350-$700 monthly — significantly less than paying out of pocket for treatment.
The Cost of Cocaine Detox and Stabilization
Cocaine withdrawal is not medically dangerous in the way that alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, but it produces intense psychological symptoms that can lead to early treatment dropout without medical support and supervision.
| Detox Component | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical monitoring & stabilization | $400 – $650/day | $250 – $500/day |
| Typical duration | 3 – 7 days | 3 – 7 days |
| Total stabilization cost | $1,200 – $4,500 | $750 – $3,500 |
| Symptom management | Included | Included |
| Psychiatric evaluation | Included | Included |
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms typically include:
- Depression and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
- Intense fatigue and increased sleep
- Increased appetite (often significant weight gain during early recovery)
- Vivid, unpleasant dreams
- Strong cravings, particularly triggered by environmental cues
- Psychomotor agitation or slowing
These symptoms peak around 3-7 days and gradually improve over 2-4 weeks, though some individuals experience prolonged dysphoria and cravings.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder
Without FDA-approved medications, cocaine treatment relies on evidence-based behavioral therapies. Research from NIDA identifies two approaches with the strongest evidence:
Contingency Management (CM)
Contingency management provides tangible rewards (vouchers exchangeable for goods/services, prize draws) for verified abstinence through urine drug screens. This behavioral approach has the strongest research support for cocaine use disorder.
How it works: Patients provide urine samples 2-3 times per week. Cocaine-negative samples earn vouchers or prize entries. The value of rewards typically escalates with consecutive negative samples, creating motivation for sustained abstinence.
Evidence: Multiple randomized controlled trials show CM significantly improves treatment retention and abstinence rates for cocaine use disorder. It’s particularly effective when combined with other therapies.
Cost: CM programs are typically included in residential treatment costs. Insurance coverage for CM has improved significantly under mental health parity laws.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for cocaine use disorder focuses on identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, and modifying thought patterns that contribute to use. CBT helps individuals recognize high-risk situations and develop alternative responses.
Key components:
- Functional analysis of cocaine use (identifying triggers and consequences)
- Coping skills training for managing cravings
- Cognitive restructuring of thoughts that facilitate use
- Relapse prevention planning
Evidence: CBT shows sustained benefits even after treatment ends, with individuals continuing to show improvement in the months following treatment completion.
The Matrix Model
The Matrix Model is a comprehensive 16-week outpatient treatment approach specifically designed for stimulant use disorders. It combines CBT, family education, 12-step facilitation, drug testing, and individual counseling.
Choosing the Right Program Length
| Duration | Best For | Insured Cost Range | Uninsured Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Recent cocaine use, strong support system, limited co-occurring conditions | $5,500 – $18,000 | $14,000 – $42,000 |
| 60 days | Moderate to severe cocaine use, co-occurring mental health conditions | $11,000 – $36,000 | $28,000 – $84,000 |
| 90 days | Severe cocaine use disorder, multiple prior treatments, limited support | $16,500 – $54,000 | $42,000 – $126,000 |
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends a minimum of 90 days for most substance use disorders. For cocaine specifically, research shows that longer treatment duration is associated with better outcomes, particularly when treatment includes contingency management.
Cocaine Use Statistics and Trends
According to SAMHSA and the CDC:
- 1.4 million Americans have cocaine use disorder (NSDUH 2023)
- 24,486 deaths involving cocaine in 2023 (CDC)
- 90% of cocaine deaths involved other drugs, primarily opioids (especially fentanyl)
- Crack cocaine remains prevalent in many urban areas
- Cocaine mixed with fentanyl represents an increasing threat
The rise of fentanyl-contaminated cocaine has made cocaine use more dangerous than ever. Many cocaine-related overdoses are actually opioid overdoses from unknowing fentanyl exposure.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Cocaine use disorder frequently co-occurs with mental health conditions, which must be treated simultaneously for effective recovery:
- Depression — Very common, especially during early abstinence
- Anxiety disorders — Often pre-existing and self-medicated with cocaine
- Bipolar disorder — Cocaine use during manic episodes is common
- ADHD — Individuals may use cocaine for self-medication of attention symptoms
Quality treatment programs provide integrated care for both the substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. This dual diagnosis treatment is covered by insurance under mental health parity laws.
Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re currently uninsured, getting covered may be more accessible and affordable than you think. All ACA-compliant plans cover cocaine use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit, including residential treatment and evidence-based behavioral therapies. A licensed insurance specialist can help you understand your options, check for qualifying life events, and find plans that cover the treatment you need.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Cocaine Research Report.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Drug Overdose Deaths.” 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders.” 2024.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for cocaine 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 cocaine rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day inpatient cocaine treatment program typically costs between $14,000 and $42,000. Medical detox or stabilization adds $1,200 to $4,500 for the initial 3-7 day period. Unlike opioid treatment, there are currently no FDA-approved medications for cocaine use disorder, so treatment costs focus on behavioral therapy, medical monitoring, and residential care.
Does insurance cover cocaine rehab?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover cocaine use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. This includes residential treatment, medical stabilization, and evidence-based behavioral therapies like contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). PPO plans typically offer the broadest facility access.
How long does cocaine detox take?
Cocaine detox typically lasts 3 to 7 days for acute withdrawal symptoms. Unlike opioid or alcohol withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal is not medically dangerous, but it can be psychologically intense. Symptoms include depression, fatigue, increased appetite, vivid dreams, and intense cravings. Medical monitoring during this period improves comfort and reduces early dropout rates.
Is there medication for cocaine addiction?
There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine use disorder. However, research is ongoing for several promising medications including modafinil, topiramate, and disulfiram. Treatment for cocaine use disorder focuses on evidence-based behavioral therapies — particularly contingency management (CM) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — which have strong research support.
How long should cocaine rehab last?
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that 90 days or longer of treatment produces significantly better outcomes for cocaine use disorder. Many programs recommend 60-90 days of residential treatment followed by intensive outpatient care. The appropriate length depends on severity of use, co-occurring mental health conditions, and individual progress in treatment.
What is contingency management for cocaine addiction?
Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that provides tangible rewards (vouchers, prizes) for verified abstinence through drug testing. Research shows CM significantly improves treatment retention and abstinence rates for cocaine use disorder. It's based on behavioral psychology principles and is one of the most effective interventions for stimulant use disorders.