How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost? - Rehab Guide

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

If you have an addiction, attending rehab can help you recover. But what is the cost of rehab in the UK? Here, we discuss the different choices you have available.

If you have a limited amount of money, there are a few things to know about paying for drug rehab. Read on to discover addiction rehab costs in the UK.

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Types of Programmes in Rehab

Let’s explore the options that are available to you. Not only will this help you make a better decision for rehab, but it’ll also help explain why certain types of rehab cost more than others.

Below are the main types of programmes you’ll find in rehab.


Detoxification

How much alcohol detox costs depends on the quality of a rehabilitation centre’s facilities and program.

Most people require a medically assisted detox if they have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms upon stopping alcohol or narcotics.

For detox, expect to pay around £1,500 or above for the programme. It typically lasts 7 to 10 days and includes everything, such as medications and accommodations.

Should you be tight on money, you can always choose only to do detox first and either go to rehab later or seek out your therapist.

Alcohol detox is the process of stopping alcohol with supervision and the help of medications that help with the dangerous and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that come with ceasing drinking. A drug detox is carried out in the same way.

Many people believe that you can do this alone when, in most cases, it is ineffective and dangerous.

With a range of options available at different prices, you should not let the cost of alcohol rehab in the UK put you off getting help.

From 2017 to 2018, almost 270,000 adults in the UK were in treatment for their substance abuse issues. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, then you might be looking into rehabilitation centres and programmes.


Inpatient Rehab

As you might expect, how much it costs to go to rehab depends on whether you attend inpatient rehab, which is more costly than outpatient treatment. This is because the facility provides you with their staff services and room.

Usually, you can expect inpatient rehab centres to charge about £1,500 per week.

In a typical 28-day programme, you’ll spend around £6,000 for the rehabilitation treatment.

Of course, the actual fees will depend on which facility you go to, and just because one is more expensive doesn’t mean it will be the best detox centre. It can vary widely between different centres; some have better reputations and facilities than others. The Priory, for instance, is around £5000 per week or £700 per day.

Rehab costs by week

1-week rehab program: £1500+

2-week rehab program: £3000+

3-week rehab program:  £5000+

4-week rehab program: £6500+

Once you’re finished with detox, you’ll then move on to the actual rehabilitation part.

Many choose to go to inpatient rehabilitation because it immerses them in recovery. This is because you’ll live there for the entire duration of treatment.

You’ll work with experienced counsellors to determine what drives you to use. It may be a complex process, but once you’ve cleared that hurdle, it’ll be easier to manage your addiction in the future.

In addition, you’ll attend group therapy. This, plus living with others during treatment, will allow you to build up a support group where everyone can help one another on their road to sobriety. You may prevent each other from relapsing in the darkest times.


Home Detox Rehab

Because you don’t have to live at the facility, outpatient rehab will cost less than inpatient treatment. Ranging around just £1,000 a week at the most, depending on the specific treatments and medications you need.

Success rates with inpatient rehab vs outpatient are higher. However, not everyone can attend inpatient programmes, as they have personal responsibilities they can’t drop for weeks or months. In that case, outpatient rehabilitation is a very viable alternative.

An alcohol home detox is the safest option with a treatment plan and detox medication from a doctor.


Cost of Rehab Aftercare

Aftercare costs can vary drastically, mainly since some inpatient treatment centres include aftercare in their overall package. Generally, expect to pay the same prices as outpatient rehab, around £1,000 weekly.

After you’re done with your rehab treatment, you’ll then have to transition back to everyday life. For some, this can be easy to do, while for others, it can be difficult.

If you still feel like you need the structure and care of rehab, you can attend aftercare programmes. Even if you’ve transitioned back to everyday sober life quickly, aftercare can still be a good idea.

These programmes help you keep structure and sobriety in mind. As a result, you’ll be better equipped to avoid relapse.


Factors That Can Influence Rehab Costs in the UK

Of course, not every residential rehab will charge the exact cost. Here are some factors that can influence how much you pay.

Location

Naturally, the location of the rehab centre will affect their prices. The cost of living varies widely from city to city, impacting prices like rent, food, and utilities.

So, for instance, if you choose a facility in the South vs the North, it’ll most likely be more pricey, mainly if it’s a London rehab.

Staff

The staff at any rehab facility should be qualified and experienced.

Generally, you can expect centres with more qualified and experienced staff members to charge more. However, this also means you’ll get better and more effective treatment, so it may be worth spending a little more for rehab to ensure your success at sobriety.

Luxury Rehab

Regarding rehab prices, there are different tiers to rehabilitation centres, just like accommodations when you go on holiday. The more basic ones will be cheaper and closer to the quote of £1,500 per week.

On the other side of the spectrum, if you choose to go to the most luxurious rehab facilities in the country, you can pay up to £10,000 a week. Of course, you’ll get the best treatment, more options for treatment (such as holistic therapies), and top-quality amenities and facilities. Not to mention, the food will be much better as well.

Luxury rehabilitation centres in the UK might also charge more because they have renowned medical experts on staff.


Does the NHS Cover Your Rehab Cost?

The good news is the NHS does pay for alcohol rehab programmes in the UK. However, please note that it most likely won’t cover inpatient rehab.

So, if you had inpatient rehabilitation as your preferred treatment choice, you might have to pay out of pocket. In that case, you’re better off choosing private rehab centres where you’ll get better access to quality facilities and won’t be as crowded.

If you’re curious about getting free treatment through the NHS, read on.


Free Rehab Services in the UK

The first step you need to take is to see your GP. They can give you an examination, and you can explain your dependence on drugs or alcohol.

During your appointment, your GP can then determine whether you need any prescription medications to aid in detoxing and withdrawing. They can also refer you to the nearest support group, where you can receive certain services without charge. Counselling is usually one of these.

This type of treatment is most effective for those who have realised their addiction early on. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to seek more severe treatment to get on the road to sobriety. Plus, these free programs usually have lengthy waiting lists, and you might not be able to afford to wait.


How Can You Pay for Rehab?

As you can see, rehab can be quite expensive to attend. Although your sobriety is undoubtedly worth it, having the cash to participate in your desired programme is not always possible.

In that case, you might have several options available. If you have family and friends, you feel comfortable enough with asking for funds, and this is something you could try.

Understandably, some aren’t uncomfortable asking for financial help from anyone they’re close to, which is perfectly acceptable.

If you feel there’s a slight chance you might be unable to pay your loved ones back, there are other options.

For example, depending on the length of stay, some rehabilitation centres offer payment plans so you won’t have to pay all the treatment fees simultaneously. Having the entire amount spread across several months as smaller payments might make attending rehab easier and more affordable.


Get the Help You Need by Going to Rehab

After reading this article, you now know all the types of rehabilitation available and rehab costs in the UK.

So, how much are rehab costs in the UK? It depends on the type of treatment you want and how long you receive it. We strongly recommend you call us if you’re having trouble determining which option is best for you.

We’ll speak with you on the phone to help develop a treatment plan that allows you the most. If you find rehab too much of a financial burden, there’s always the NHS route. Going through detox with medical professionals is better than nothing at all, so you can at least consider checking into rehab just for that part of recovery.

Would you like more information about detox and rehabilitation? Then feel free to get in touch with us. We’ll be more than happy to help with free advice.

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Author 'John

John

Trained in addictionology in the Johnson Model, and specializing in substance abuse for individual and couple counselling. John's personal experience has given him a wealth of insights, which he integrates into practice. His extensive training has allowed him to gain expertise in individual and group counselling, concurrent disorders, case management, executing treatment plans and relapse prevention. He started this free helpline as a result of a life change and to help others get sober and live a life free from drugs and alcohol. John covers a variety of topics relating to addiction and recovery in his articles.

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