How Much Does Rehab Cost in 2026?
Understanding addiction treatment costs is often the first barrier families face when seeking help. The cost of rehab varies dramatically based on five primary factors: the level of care you need, how long you stay in treatment, which substance you’re seeking treatment for, whether you have insurance coverage, and which facility you choose. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost factor so you can make informed decisions.
Rehab Cost Overview: What to Expect
Here’s a high-level overview of addiction treatment costs in 2026:
| Treatment Type | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance | With Medicaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox (5-14 days) | $1,500 – $8,000 | $800 – $5,000 | $0 – $50 |
| Inpatient Rehab (30 days) | $15,000 – $50,000 | $6,000 – $22,000 | $0 – $100 |
| Partial Hospitalization (30 days) | $6,000 – $20,000 | $2,500 – $10,000 | $0 – $50 |
| Intensive Outpatient (30 days) | $3,000 – $10,000 | $1,200 – $5,000 | $0 – $30 |
| Outpatient Therapy (per session) | $100 – $200 | $30 – $75 | $0 – $5 |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment (monthly) | $300 – $1,500 | $50 – $250 | $0 – $10 |
These ranges reflect standard, accredited treatment facilities. Luxury or executive rehab programs can cost $30,000 to $100,000+ for 30 days even with insurance.
Cost by Level of Care
The biggest cost driver is which level of care you need. Treatment exists on a continuum from most intensive (and expensive) to least intensive:
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
What it is: 24/7 residential care in a treatment facility with round-the-clock medical and clinical supervision.
When it’s needed:
- Severe substance use disorder
- High risk of medical complications during withdrawal
- Co-occurring mental health conditions requiring intensive monitoring
- Unsafe home environment
- Previous failed attempts at outpatient treatment
Duration: Typically 30, 60, or 90 days
Cost without insurance:
- 30 days: $15,000 – $50,000
- 60 days: $30,000 – $100,000
- 90 days: $45,000 – $150,000
Cost with PPO insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare):
- 30 days: $6,000 – $22,000 out-of-pocket
- Typically covers 60-80% after deductible
- See Aetna rehab coverage, Cigna coverage, or UnitedHealthcare coverage
What’s included:
- Medical detox (if needed)
- Individual therapy (multiple sessions per week)
- Group therapy (daily)
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Medical monitoring
- Housing and meals
- Life skills training
- Discharge planning
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
What it is: Intensive day treatment 6+ hours per day, 5-7 days per week. You return home each evening.
When it’s needed:
- Step-down from inpatient treatment
- Need for intensive treatment but have stable housing
- Medical issues requiring frequent monitoring but not 24/7 supervision
Duration: Typically 2-4 weeks
Cost without insurance:
- Per day: $200 – $650
- 30 days: $6,000 – $20,000
Cost with insurance:
- Per day: $75 – $350 out-of-pocket
- 30 days: $2,500 – $10,000 out-of-pocket
What’s included:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- Some programs include meals
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
What it is: Structured treatment 3-5 days per week, 3-4 hours per day. You live at home and continue work or school.
When it’s needed:
- Step-down from PHP or inpatient
- Moderate substance use disorder with good support system
- Primary treatment for individuals with work/family obligations
Duration: Typically 8-12 weeks
Cost without insurance:
- Per session: $100 – $350
- Monthly: $3,000 – $10,000
Cost with insurance:
- Per session: $30 – $150 out-of-pocket
- Monthly: $1,200 – $5,000 out-of-pocket
What’s included:
- Group therapy (primary modality)
- Individual therapy (1-2 sessions per week)
- Drug testing
- Care coordination
Standard Outpatient Therapy
What it is: Individual or group therapy 1-2 times per week.
When it’s needed:
- Ongoing support after completing PHP or IOP
- Mild substance use disorder
- Maintenance phase of recovery
Duration: Ongoing (months to years)
Cost without insurance:
- Individual therapy: $100 – $200 per session
- Group therapy: $40 – $100 per session
Cost with insurance:
- Individual therapy: $30 – $75 copay
- Group therapy: $15 – $40 copay
Learn more about types of rehab programs and which level of care is appropriate for different situations.
Cost by Substance Type
The specific substance you’re seeking treatment for significantly affects costs, primarily due to differences in medical detox requirements:
Opioid Treatment (Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription Painkillers)
Detox duration: 5-10 days (longer for fentanyl) MAT available: Yes (highly recommended)
Costs:
- Detox: $2,000 – $8,000 (fentanyl on higher end)
- 30-day inpatient: $18,000 – $55,000 without insurance; $7,500 – $22,000 with insurance
- Monthly MAT: $350 – $600 without insurance; $50 – $250 with insurance
Why costs vary: Fentanyl treatment requires longer detox (7-10 days vs. 5-7 for other opioids) and specialized MAT induction protocols, increasing costs 10-20%.
Related: Opioid rehab cost, Heroin rehab cost
Alcohol Treatment
Detox duration: 5-7 days MAT available: Yes
Costs:
- Detox: $1,750 – $5,600 without insurance
- 30-day inpatient: $15,000 – $45,000 without insurance; $6,000 – $18,000 with insurance
- Monthly MAT: $200 – $800 without insurance; $25 – $200 with insurance
Why costs vary: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, requiring intensive medical monitoring. Similar to benzodiazepines, alcohol withdrawal requires careful medical supervision, but detox is shorter than benzos.
Related: Alcohol rehab cost
Benzodiazepine Treatment
Detox duration: 10-14+ days (can take weeks or months for complete taper) MAT available: No
Costs:
- Detox: $3,500 – $12,000+ without insurance (longest detox requirement)
- 30-day inpatient: $16,000 – $52,000 without insurance; $7,000 – $22,000 with insurance
Why costs are higher: Benzodiazepine detox requires the longest medical supervision due to gradual tapering protocols. Abrupt cessation can cause seizures, so slow, medically supervised tapers over 10-14+ days drive costs higher than other substances.
Stimulant Treatment (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)
Detox duration: 3-10 days (stabilization, not medically dangerous) MAT available: No
Costs:
- Stabilization: $1,200 – $5,500 without insurance
- 30-day inpatient: $14,000 – $45,000 without insurance; $5,500 – $18,000 with insurance
Why costs are lower: Stimulant withdrawal isn’t medically dangerous (unlike alcohol/benzos) and there are no FDA-approved MAT medications, so costs focus on behavioral therapy rather than intensive medical management.
Related: Cocaine rehab cost, Meth rehab cost
Marijuana/Cannabis Treatment
Detox duration: 3-7 days (stabilization) MAT available: No
Costs:
- Stabilization: $800 – $2,500 without insurance
- 30-day inpatient: $11,000 – $35,000 without insurance; $4,500 – $15,000 with insurance
Why costs are lower: Cannabis withdrawal is not medically dangerous, requires shorter stabilization periods, and has no MAT medications. Treatment focuses primarily on behavioral therapies.
Related: Marijuana rehab cost
Cost by Program Length
Treatment duration is the second-largest cost driver after level of care:
30-Day Programs
Most common duration — Standard minimum recommended by most clinicians
Best for:
- First treatment attempt
- Mild to moderate substance use disorder
- Strong family and community support system
- Ability to transition to IOP after residential care
Costs:
- Without insurance: $15,000 – $50,000
- With PPO insurance: $6,000 – $22,000 out-of-pocket
- With Medicaid: $0 – $100
60-Day Programs
Extended care — Better outcomes for moderate to severe SUD
Best for:
- Moderate to severe substance use disorder
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Previous treatment attempts that didn’t result in sustained recovery
- Limited support system at home
Costs:
- Without insurance: $30,000 – $100,000
- With PPO insurance: $12,000 – $44,000 out-of-pocket (often hits out-of-pocket maximum)
- With Medicaid: $0 – $200
90+ Day Programs
Long-term treatment — Research shows best outcomes
Best for:
- Severe substance use disorder
- Multiple prior treatment attempts
- Fentanyl or methamphetamine use (NIDA recommends 90+ days)
- Complex co-occurring conditions
- Minimal recovery support at home
Costs:
- Without insurance: $45,000 – $150,000+
- With PPO insurance: Often hits out-of-pocket maximum within first 30-45 days, then $0
- With Medicaid: $0 – $300
Important note: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research shows that 90 days or longer of treatment produces significantly better outcomes than shorter programs. While 30-day programs are common due to insurance authorization practices, they represent the minimum, not the ideal.
Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs
The single biggest factor determining your out-of-pocket cost is whether you have insurance and what type:
With PPO Insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, BCBS)
How it works:
- You pay your deductible first (typically $1,500-$3,500 for individuals)
- Insurance pays 60-80% of remaining costs, you pay 20-40%
- Once you reach out-of-pocket maximum ($7,000-$9,500 typically), insurance pays 100%
Example 30-day program:
- Facility negotiated rate: $35,000
- You’ve met $0 of deductible
- You pay: $2,000 (deductible) + 20% of $33,000 ($6,600) = $8,600
- But: Capped at your out-of-pocket max (e.g., $8,700)
Carrier-specific details:
- Aetna rehab coverage — 1,800+ contracted facilities
- Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage — Varies by state company
- Cigna rehab coverage — 1,900+ facilities via Evernorth
- UnitedHealthcare coverage — Largest network (2,200+ facilities via Optum)
With HMO/EPO Insurance
How it works:
- Must stay in-network (no out-of-network coverage)
- Often lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums than PPO
- May require referrals from primary care physician
Out-of-pocket for 30-day program: Typically $5,000-$17,000
Examples:
- Kaiser Permanente — Integrated HMO model, copay-based, typically $3,000-$8,000 for 30 days
- Humana HMO — Regional networks
With Medicaid (Molina, State Plans)
How it works:
- Income-based eligibility
- Comprehensive coverage with minimal cost-sharing
- Must use in-network providers
Out-of-pocket for 30-day program: Typically $0-$100
Molina Medicaid coverage operates in 15 states with extensive addiction treatment benefits.
With Medicare Advantage
How it works:
- For individuals 65+ or with qualifying disability
- Often uses copay structures instead of deductibles
- Example: $350/day for days 1-5, then $0
Out-of-pocket for 30-day program: Typically $2,000-$12,000
Humana Medicare Advantage has strong behavioral health benefits.
Without Insurance
Self-pay costs:
- 30-day inpatient: $15,000 – $50,000
- Medical detox: $1,500 – $8,000 additional
- Total with detox: $16,500 – $58,000
Important consideration: Monthly premiums for PPO insurance cost $400-$800. Even if you pay premiums for 3-6 months before entering treatment, it’s often dramatically cheaper than self-pay.
Learn more: Does insurance cover rehab?
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the primary factors above, several other elements affect treatment costs:
Facility Type and Amenities
Standard accredited facilities: Costs reflected in tables above
Luxury/Executive rehab:
- Private rooms, gourmet meals, resort-like amenities
- Additional therapies (equine, art, adventure)
- Higher staff-to-client ratios
- Costs: $40,000 – $100,000+ for 30 days
- Insurance may cover standard rate, you pay difference
Geographic Location
High-cost areas: California, Northeast, Hawaii
- Costs 15-30% higher than national average
Lower-cost areas: Midwest, South, rural areas
- Costs 10-20% below national average
Out-of-state treatment: PPO plans typically cover nationwide with no cost difference if facility is in-network.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
What it is: Treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health conditions
Cost impact: Adds 10-20% to standard treatment costs due to:
- Psychiatric care
- Additional medications
- Specialized therapies
- Extended length of stay often needed
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Ongoing costs after residential treatment:
| Medication | Monthly Cost (No Insurance) | Monthly Cost (Insured) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic buprenorphine | $150 – $350 | $10 – $75 |
| Brand Suboxone | $400 – $600 | $25 – $150 |
| Sublocade injection | $1,600 – $1,800 | $50 – $300 |
| Methadone (OTP) | $300 – $500 | $50 – $200 |
| Vivitrol injection | $1,200 – $1,500 | $50 – $250 |
Duration: NIDA recommends minimum 12-24 months; many individuals remain on MAT indefinitely.
Lifetime cost consideration: While MAT adds ongoing costs, research shows it reduces overall healthcare costs by preventing overdose, emergency department visits, and criminal justice involvement.
How to Reduce Rehab Costs
If you’re concerned about costs, several strategies can help:
1. Use Insurance
Most effective strategy. Even paying insurance premiums for several months before treatment is typically cheaper than self-pay.
If you don’t have insurance:
- ACA marketplace enrollment (during open enrollment or qualifying life event)
- Check Medicaid eligibility (income up to 138% FPL in expansion states)
- COBRA continuation from former employer
2. Choose In-Network Facilities
Out-of-network treatment can cost 2-3x more out-of-pocket due to:
- Higher deductibles
- Lower reimbursement rates (50-60% vs. 70-80%)
- Balance billing (facility bills you for difference)
3. Negotiate and Ask About Financial Assistance
Many facilities offer:
- Sliding-scale fees based on income
- Payment plans (6-24 months)
- Scholarships or grants for uninsured individuals
- Upfront payment discounts (5-15% off)
4. Step-Down Appropriately
Don’t stay at higher (more expensive) levels of care longer than medically necessary:
- Inpatient → PHP → IOP → Outpatient saves money while maintaining support
- Insurance concurrent reviews ensure appropriate level of care
5. Consider State-Funded Treatment
Most states offer some state-funded treatment options for uninsured individuals:
- Community mental health centers
- County substance abuse programs
- State-operated facilities
Costs are based on sliding scale or free. However, these programs often have waitlists and fewer amenities than private facilities.
Is Rehab Worth the Cost?
The cost of addiction treatment must be weighed against the cost of active addiction:
Financial Costs of Untreated Addiction
Healthcare:
- Emergency department visits: $1,500 – $3,000 each
- Hospitalizations for overdose: $10,000 – $50,000+
- Treatment of addiction-related medical conditions
Lost income:
- Job loss or reduced earning capacity
- Disability
- Inability to maintain employment
Legal costs:
- DUI/DWI: $10,000 – $25,000 (legal fees, fines, increased insurance)
- Drug-related arrests: $5,000 – $50,000+
- Incarceration: Lost wages, legal costs
Substance costs:
- Heroin/fentanyl: $50 – $200+ per day
- Cocaine: $50 – $300+ per day
- Alcohol: $20 – $100+ per day
Annual substance costs alone can exceed $18,000 – $100,000 for severe addiction.
Human Costs
Beyond finances:
- Family relationships
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Quality of life
- Risk of overdose death
The overdose epidemic has claimed over 100,000 American lives annually in recent years. Treatment is not just a financial investment — it’s life-saving.
What’s Included in Rehab Costs
Understanding what you’re paying for helps contextualize costs:
Medical Services
- 24/7 nursing care (inpatient)
- Physician oversight
- Medical detox management
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Psychiatric care for co-occurring conditions
- Emergency medical response capability
Clinical Services
- Individual therapy (multiple sessions per week)
- Group therapy (daily)
- Family therapy
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management)
- Relapse prevention training
- Discharge and aftercare planning
Support Services
- Housing (inpatient)
- Meals (inpatient, some PHP programs)
- Transportation (some programs)
- Case management
- Peer support
- Life skills training
Facility Operations
- Licensed, accredited facilities
- Trained, credentialed staff
- Liability insurance
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality improvement programs
Next Steps: Calculate Your Costs
Your actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific situation:
- Determine which substance you’re seeking treatment for
- Assess which level of care you need (inpatient vs. outpatient)
- Review your insurance coverage (or lack thereof)
- Contact facilities for benefits verification
- Use our calculator to estimate your costs
If you don’t have insurance, explore options:
- Medicaid eligibility
- ACA marketplace plans
- Facility financial assistance programs
A licensed insurance specialist can help you understand coverage options and find plans that cover the treatment you need.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).” 2024.
- National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). “Treatment Costs and Benefits Analysis.” 2024.
- Healthcare.gov. “Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage.” 2026.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. “Health Insurance Coverage and Costs.” 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, addiction treatment costs vary significantly by program type and length. A 30-day inpatient program typically costs $15,000 to $50,000, medical detox adds $1,500 to $8,000, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) cost $3,000 to $10,000 per month. The specific substance affects costs — benzodiazepine detox is more expensive due to longer tapering requirements, while marijuana treatment costs less due to simpler withdrawal management.
How much does rehab cost with insurance?
With insurance, your out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day inpatient program typically range from $4,500 to $22,000 depending on your plan type, deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. PPO plans from carriers like Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare typically cover 60-80% of costs after deductible. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum (typically $7,000-$9,500 for individuals), insurance pays 100%. Medicaid plans like Molina often have $0 copays.
What factors affect the cost of rehab?
Five main factors determine rehab costs: (1) Level of care — inpatient costs more than outpatient; (2) Program length — 30 vs 60 vs 90 days significantly impacts cost; (3) Substance type — substances requiring longer medical detox (benzos, alcohol, fentanyl) cost more; (4) Insurance coverage — PPO vs HMO vs no insurance creates dramatic cost differences; (5) Facility amenities — luxury facilities with premium amenities cost 2-3x standard programs.
Is 30 days of rehab enough?
For many substance use disorders, 30 days is the minimum recommended duration, not the ideal length. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research shows that 90 days or longer of treatment produces significantly better long-term outcomes. The appropriate length depends on substance used (fentanyl and methamphetamine often require longer treatment), severity of use disorder, co-occurring mental health conditions, previous treatment attempts, and strength of recovery support system.
Why is rehab so expensive?
Rehab costs reflect the intensive, 24/7 medical and clinical care required for effective treatment. Costs include: round-the-clock medical staffing (physicians, nurses, counselors), medication-assisted treatment medications, medical detox supervision, individual and group therapy, evidence-based behavioral therapies, facility operations (housing, meals, utilities), and licensing/accreditation requirements. Quality treatment requires significant clinical expertise and infrastructure, which drives costs.
Can I negotiate rehab costs?
Yes. Many treatment facilities offer: sliding-scale fees based on income, payment plans spreading costs over 6-24 months, scholarship programs for uninsured individuals, single-case agreements with insurance for out-of-network coverage, and discounts for upfront payment. If you're uninsured, facilities may reduce costs significantly. However, obtaining insurance coverage (even paying monthly premiums for several months) is often more cost-effective than paying out-of-pocket for a 30-day program.