Formal detox treatment is a critical first step of the recovery process. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines detox as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.”1 Furthermore, detox allows the body to eliminate the toxins associated with alcohol or drug abuse.1
Acute withdrawal can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Symptoms may range from uncomfortable to incredibly painful. For certain substances, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, certain withdrawal effects can also be life-threatening if left unmanaged.1 Since a formal detox program provides an environment in which a treatment team can safely monitor withdrawal progress and manage any complications to arise, it’s often the most recommended course of action.
Detox can take place in a variety of settings depending on the person’s addiction severity and the substances they abused. There are many programs available, and each one will have different requirements and fees. While detox alone does not replace comprehensive addiction treatment, it is often the first step on the journey towards sustained recovery.
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There are several different types of detox programs available. A medical and psychosocial assessment from a doctor or addiction professional will help determine the appropriate level of care for each potential patient.
The price of detox depends on several factors including:2,3
There is no one singular cost of detox; different programs have different prices. While research lacks exact figures on the average price of detox, fees typically range anywhere between $600–$1,000 per day, for a minimum of a 7-day detox program.8 This means the total may range from about $4,000 to $7,000.8 With that said, these costs may be offset by government assistance or health insurance.
Inpatient detox is typically more expensive than outpatient detox due to the room and board costs and 24/7 monitoring.2 Moreover, medical detox typically costs more than social detox models due to the utilization of medications. Executive and luxury facilities represent the most expensive detox options due to the exclusive perks and upscale amenities offered to its patients.
The amount of time spent in detox impacts the price, as longer programs will cost more than shorter ones. The duration of time spent in detox depends on numerous factors including:1
Furthermore, each substance has different withdrawal timelines, which will impact the duration of detoxification. Consider the following commonly abused substances:
These timelines are a general guideline; everyone’s timeline will be affected by their own individual differences. On top of this, the detox duration will depend on whether the program implements medication into the process. For certain types of drug detox, medications are extremely beneficial, because they can alleviate unpleasant and potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, reduce drug cravings, and minimize the risk of medical complications. With that said, patients may need to be gradually tapered from the treatment medication itself, which could in turn extend their detox length.
Because drug detox can be so distressing and uncomfortable, medication can ease these symptoms and reduce cravings. Medications are approved for the management of withdrawal from opioids and alcohol, although supportive medications, such as antidepressants, may be used for other substances or to treat co-occurring psychiatric conditions, if applicable.
Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that displaces opioids of abuse, like heroin, at the receptor sites in the brain, and essentially reverses withdrawal symptoms.1 Methadone may be part of an individual’s detox process, and it may also be used in the longer-term as a form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), as it can reduce opioid cravings and help avoid relapse as part of maintenance therapy. While prices of methadone vary and published information remains scant for estimating averages, one study by the Drug Alcohol Dependence journal found that methadone maintenance cost approximately $1,764 annually.6
Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that has been approved for detoxification purposes. In order to avoid diversion and abuse, a combination medication, known as Suboxone, is also used to treat opioid dependence. The formula contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist. Like methadone, Suboxone can also be used for MAT. Unlike methadone, which must be dispensed at a specific treatment facility, buprenorphine can be dispensed at a physician’s office.1 Research has found that buprenorphine can cost up to 10 times more than methadone, and many physicians even reported that costs were a major challenge for providing this form of treatment.6
Benzodiazepines: For alcohol withdrawal, patients are likely to receive benzodiazepines, which can lower the risk of severe withdrawal developments such as seizures and agitation. According to SAMHSA, benzodiazepines remain the medication class of choice for treating alcohol withdrawal.1 Common benzodiazepines used include Librium, Valium, Ativan, and Serax.1
Relapse prevention medications: Relapse prevention agents, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, may also be used during late alcohol withdrawal treatment, although they are not suitable for acute detox purposes. These medications can help reduce the probability of drinking during later stages of detox treatment and help to improve patient retention. Generic naltrexone costs an average of $132 per month and acamprosate costs about $125 per month.10
It is important to discuss your medication payment options with your insurance company and/or detox center.
If you have health insurance, your plan should cover some or all of your detox services. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 requires that insurance companies cover behavioral health services, such as substance abuse treatment, to the same extent that they do medical services. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded upon the MHPAEA, enabling plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace to cover addiction treatment services as well.11 This policy has made detox and addiction treatment services more readily accessible and affordable to those who need it.
You should always call your insurance company to determine the limits and eligibilities offered by your individual plan. Some detox treatment centers will accept Medicare or Medicaid plans.7 When searching for a detox program, you’ll want to do your research and ask the various programs what insurance plans they accept.
If you don’t have health insurance, you can purchase a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, where there are affordable plans that cover pre-existing conditions, such as a substance use disorder. This means that you can still purchase an insurance plan after realizing you may need professional addiction help.
If you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to pay for your detox treatment.
Although exploring detox options and entering treatment may feel overwhelming, nothing is more important than your sobriety. Recovery is possible. Don’t let anything stand in the way of getting the proper care and help you deserve.