Lauren Brande

The cost of detox varies depending on several different factors, such as insurance coverage, type of program, and program location, but the price typically ranges from $600 to $1,000 per day. 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. [callout title="Coverage Levels of Different Health Insurance Providers" position="center"] Visit the links below to find out more about insurance companies and coverages for inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment. Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Humana Health Insurance Aetna Health Insurance Kaiser Permanente health Insurance [/callout]   What Types of Programs Are Available? 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. Outpatient Detox: Considered the least-restrictive level of care, outpatient detox can occur within a physician’s office, freestanding treatment facility, day hospital program, or home health organization.1,2 Outpatient detox typically ranges from a few days to a couple weeks. It may be recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate substance use disorders. Those attending outpatient detox typically live at home outside of treatment hours and are able to continue working, attending school, and participating in other daily activities.2  Non-Medical/Social Residential Detox: This level of care utilizes social and peer support for assisting patients with detox. These detoxes do not typically employ medical practices or prescribed medication to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.1  Medically Monitored Inpatient Detox: This level of care usually takes place at a detox center or as part of a substance abuse program. It provides 24/7 medical supervision and monitoring for its patients. Many patients receive medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.1 When given a choice between social or medical detox, patients struggling with an addiction to alcohol, sedatives, or opioids should consider medical facilities for the emphasis on safety, monitoring, and medical well-being. Executive Detox Centers: With services aimed at executives, celebrities, or people with high-powered careers, executive detox centers offer upscale amenities and flexible environments to its patients. These may include access to computers, phones, exercise equipment, gourmet meals, and private rooms. Luxury Detox Centers: Luxury detox programs often more closely resemble the environment of resorts and may offer exclusive amenities like spa treatments, massage therapy, personal trainers, golf, pools, and gourmet meals. Patients may receive holistic treatments such as yoga, acupuncture, and equine therapy. As these facilities typically cost more than other forms of inpatient or outpatient detox, they are typically marketed towards more affluent populations. The price of detox depends on several factors including:2,3 Type of program chosen. Program location. Length of time receiving services. Insurance coverage and deductibles. The Price of Withdrawal Treatment 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  Type of substances used. Average amount of substance used. Concurrent use of other substances. Age. The individual’s physiology. Mental and physical health. Presence of co-occurring disorders. Furthermore, each substance has different withdrawal timelines, which will impact the duration of detoxification. Consider the following commonly abused substances: Alcohol: The signs and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal can start 6–24 hours after the patient has their last drink. More severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, will occur within 12–24 hours after the last drink, and they can last up to a week.1,3,4 The course of these symptoms tends to be quite varied, as some will progress through the symptoms quickly and without serious effects, and others will experience severe complications, such as grand mal seizures or delirium tremens.  Heroin and prescription opioids: Heroin withdrawal typically begins 8–12 hours after the last heroin dose, peaks within the first 1–2 days, and subsides within 3–5 days.1,5 Prescription opioid withdrawal timelines vary depending on whether or not they are short-acting or long-acting. For shorter-acting, symptoms can emerge within 8–12 hours (similar to heroin). For longer-acting drugs, they may appear between 1–3 days.5  Cocaine: Cocaine withdrawal typically starts with a “crash,” which occurs several hours to a couple days after the last dose. The acute withdrawal symptoms will last about 1–2 weeks and fade over time.1,5,9  Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepine withdrawal is influenced by the half-life of each drug. For shorter-acting substances, such as Xanax, withdrawal symptoms arrive within 10–12 hours. The symptoms may feel more intense initially, but gradually decrease. With longer-acting benzodiazepines, like Valium, it may take 1–3 days for symptoms to appear. Even though the symptoms may not be as intense, they tend to last longer, and may elongate the withdrawal process.1,5.  Prescription stimulants: Stimulant withdrawal typically begins with an immediate “crash,” that can happen within 12–24 hours after the last use and last for up to 1 week.5  Marijuana: Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can occur 1–3 days after last use, and the symptoms will peak within the first week and fade within 2 weeks.5 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. Detox Medications 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. Using Your Insurance to Pay 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. Alternative Ways to Finance Detox If you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to pay for your detox treatment. Sliding scale: Many programs will offer a sliding scale fee, which means they adjust the costs according to your income level. Payment plan: Some detox programs may allow you to pay for your treatment in affordable installments. Credit card: Credit cards that offer higher limits can allow you to pay for detox or treatment now, even if you don't have the money on hand. Just be cautious of high interest rates and set a budget to pay back your debt accordingly. Healthcare credit card: Specialized credit cards focus on assisting people specifically with managing the cost of healthcare, even for those who may have a poor credit history. These do tend to have higher interest rates than ordinary credit cards, so it’s essential to prioritize paying these bills as quickly as possible. Specialized healthcare loans: Some financial institutions, such as Prosper Healthcare Lending and My Treatment Center, offer loans that cover healthcare costs. Personal loans: You can take out a personal loan to cover your detox costs and pay it back over time. Shop around for the lowest interest rate. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding websites, such as GoFundMe and IndieGoGo, make it easy for friends, family, and kind strangers to contribute to your treatment fund. Other accounts: You may be able to tap into your savings account, retirement funds, or home equity in order to afford 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. Sources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Quick Guide for Clinicians- Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Hayashida, M. An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification. Alcohol Health & Research World. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008). Substance Abuse Prevention Dollars and Cents: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. Bayard, M., Mcintyre, J., Hill, K., Woodside, J. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. American Family Physician, 69 (6), 1443-1450. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Jones, E. S., Moore, B. A., Sindelar, J. L., O’Connor, P. G., Schottenfeld, R. S., & Fiellin, D. A. (2009). Cost Analysis of Clinic and Office-based Treatment of Opioid Dependence: Results with Methadone and Buprenorphine in Clinically Stable Patients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 99(1-3), 132–140. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services. American Addiction Centers. (2017). Australian Government Department of Health. (2004). The Cocaine Withdrawal Syndrome. Hunter, K. & Ochoa, R. (2006). Acamprosate (Campral) for Treatment of Alcoholism. American Family Physician, 74(4), 645-646. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). ...

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to the development of tolerance, which means that you require increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel the desired effects or intoxication. Tolerance continues to increase as alcohol abuse continues, which can have deadly consequences as excessive alcohol consumption can compound already significant physical toxicity and lead to overdose. Whether you're thinking about detoxing from alcohol at home or at a rehab treatment facility, this guide will help you understand more about detoxing from alcohol Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Alcohol abuse may lead to tolerance and dependence, causing an even greater danger to the user as an increase in alcohol consumption likely will occur. If you are facing the dangerous consequences of alcohol addiction, know that we are here to help. Call [phone] and one of our admissions navigators can guide you through the process of finding the support and treatment that you need. As tolerance builds, it is likely that physical dependence will develop as well. Once you are dependent on alcohol, unpleasant and potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms will emerge if you suddenly cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether. Professional alcohol detoxification services are available to help you through distressing withdrawal symptoms, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the process. Alcohol is an almost universal legally obtained intoxicant inextricably linked with widespread substance abuse and several adverse short- and long-term health effects. It is a central nervous system depressant—drinking wine, beer, or liquor can lead to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slower thought process, and loosening of inhibitions. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), over 15 million adults in the United States had an alcohol abuse disorder in 2015, yet only 1.3 million of them received formal alcohol addiction treatment.1  Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance. The following are some reasons why2: Alcohol is easy to find and legal to purchase. Drinking alcohol is socially acceptable in many settings. Alcohol is considerably less expensive than most drugs. Effects of Alcohol Consumption Moderate drinking is defined as up to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.3 One drink is considered a 1.5-ounce shot of a distilled spirit or liquor, a 12-ounce serving of beer, an 8-ounce serving of malt liquor, or a 5-ounce glass of wine.4  Though moderate alcohol consumption has been linked with certain health benefits—such as providing some cardiovascular benefits and certain other protective effects—it's potential drawbacks are impossible to ignore. Excessive drinking can lead to intoxication, which may have some pleasant or desirable effects but can also be problematic. Some Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse Reduced inhibitions. Attention or memory issues. Concentration problems. Slurred speech. Motor impairment. Breathing problems. Coma. Intoxication may be intensified when alcohol is combined with other psychoactive substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Mixing alcohol with other drugs can be extremely dangerous and lead to overdose or other harmful consequences. Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse Long-term alcohol consumption can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental and physical health. Chronic drinking may result in lasting disruptions of certain neural pathways and can lead to drastic changes in behavior and mood, as well as impaired cognitive functioning.4  Some potential long-term effects of alcohol abuse include:4,6 [callout-complex position="right" title="Struggling with Alcohol Addiction" image="https://admin.detox.net/wp-content/uploads/detox-shutter569057002-man-struggling-with-alcoholism-min.jpg"] Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, a progressive condition that tends to worsen without treatment. [/callout-complex] Cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, and chronic heart disease. Hepatic issues, such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and cancer of the head and neck. Mental health problems (including depression and anxiety). Social problems (including lost productivity, family issues, unemployment). As previously mentioned, chronic alcohol consumption causes a person’s tolerance to increase, which means that they require more alcohol to achieve intoxication.7 Tolerance to some of alcohol's intoxicating effects does not mean protection from adverse health effects, however. In fact, the high amount of alcohol required to overcome tolerance can lead to alcohol poisoning, which could require emergent medical attention. Long-Term Drinking Long-term drinking can also lead to significant physiological alcohol dependence, which means that withdrawal symptoms are likely to emerge if you try to cut back or quit drinking. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and often require professional detox treatment. Alcohol Withdrawal The acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome manifests itself differently depending on various individual factors such as age, physiology, mental and physical health, the abuse of other drugs, the length of alcohol consumption, the frequency of alcohol consumption, and average amount consumed. List of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms After prolonged bouts of drinking, some people will experience at least a few of the following alcohol withdrawal symptoms; in more significant cases of alcohol dependence, others may encounter most or all of them:8 [quote position="right"] You can receive drug detox and/or alcohol addiction treatment in a safe and comfortable environment supervised by medical professionals. [/quote] Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or intense nightmares. Severe nausea and/or vomiting. Lack of appetite. Tremors. Profound sweating. Rapid heart rate. Increased blood pressure. Fever. Anxiety. Irritability. Agitation. Seizures. Confusion. Disorientation. Impaired memory and judgment. Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and tactile sensations. Auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations. Delusions. If you or someone you love has experienced symptoms of this nature when attempting to quit or cut back on alcohol use, it is time to reach out for help. You can receive drug detox and/or alcohol addiction treatment in a safe and comfortable environment supervised by medical professionals. Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) indicates that alcohol withdrawal symptoms tend to emerge within 4-12 hours of the last drink. As alcohol is metabolized and cleared from the body fairly rapidly, the onset of withdrawal symptoms is often abrupt, but symptoms then resolve relatively quickly. Symptoms tend to peak around the second day and subside by the fourth or fifth day.7 Because many issues factor into the withdrawal process, any general withdrawal timeline is going to be a mere estimate of what ultimately transpires. Factors that may predict a more intense or complicated alcohol detox experience include the following:7 Advancing age Having significant medical issues Past episode of significant and/or complicated withdrawal Family history of alcohol withdrawal Consumption of sedatives or anti-anxiety medications Effects of Alcohol Detox & Withdrawal As mentioned, the effects of withdrawing from alcohol are quite complex and sometimes present some serious health risks. Physical risks include cardiac complications related to blood pressure spikes, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to vomiting, accidents related to hallucinations or delusions, and seizures. These symptoms are best monitored and managed with medical supervision. Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal There are some potential long-term effects related to alcohol withdrawal, referred to as protracted or post-acute withdrawal. These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or years once acute withdrawal symptoms have been resolved.9 They can be particularly distressing and can interfere with the recovery process. Some examples of common protracted withdrawal symptoms associated with chronic alcohol abuse include:3,8,9 Depression. Anxiety. Irritability. Hostility. Unstable moods. Insomnia. Sleep apnea. Fatigue. Problems with concentrating and thinking. Decreased interest in sex. Unexplainable pain. Transitioning into a comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment program once you complete detox can help to mitigate some of these protracted withdrawal symptoms and can provide you with the foundation you need to begin on the road to sobriety. What is Alcohol Detox? You may be apprehensive or scared about entering a detox program, particularly if you aren’t acquainted with the detoxification process. Professional drug and alcohol detox centers provide the medical supervision and support needed for you to safely clear alcohol and other substances from your system.5,8 Trained medical and psychiatric staff members provide around-the-clock support and are available to intervene if the patient experiences medical complications related to withdrawal.8 [quote]Detox is a safe, medically supervised method designed to clear your system of alcohol and other substances.[/quote] The objective of an alcohol detox program is to help patients withdraw from alcohol comfortably and safely and prepare them to transition into an alcohol abuse recovery program. Detoxification typically has 3 key components, including:8 Evaluation: A mental health professional administers an intake evaluation, which assesses the severity of your addiction, as well as your mental and physical health condition. This information will be used to create an individualized detox treatment plan for you. Stabilization: Staff members provide monitoring and support throughout the withdrawal process with the goal of identifying potential complications and intervening appropriately. Helping the patient transition into treatment: Once you are medically stabilized, the staff members will create a plan for you to transition into a recovery program that can equip you with relapse prevention skills that will help you maintain sobriety in the long run. Alcohol Withdrawal Stages If you are already experiencing withdrawal when you enter the detox program or hospital, the doctor or mental health professional will likely use the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-Ar) to evaluate the severity of your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be categorized into 3 stages. These stages increase in severity and include:10 Stage 1 (mild): Mild symptoms, such as headache, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. Stage 2 (moderate): Mild symptoms plus rapid breathing, rapid pulse, profound sweating, fever, and confusion. Stage 3 (severe): Moderate symptoms plus impaired attention, disorientation, auditory or visual hallucinations, and seizures. Without appropriate treatment, an individual can progress from the first stage to the second and third rather quickly, which is why alcohol detox is so vital.10 Alcohol and drug detox facilities provide a structured environment for those detoxing from alcohol while addiction treatment programs provide an intensive and thorough approach to recovery by addressing the underlying issues driving substance abuse. Alcohol Detox Options Withdrawing from alcohol can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, presents serious health risks, but programs are available to help you get through the process safely with minimal emotional or physical trauma. A thorough evaluation of your risks for withdrawal complications will help to determine the most appropriate level of care. How to Detox from Alcohol: Hospital setting: Many hospitals have detox units where medical professionals are trained to closely monitor your condition and keep you safe. Oftentimes people receive detoxification services at a hospital after experiencing a medical emergency, such as alcohol poisoning or severe, prolonged seizures. Inpatient treatment: You live at the residential detox facility for the duration of detox, receiving 24-hour monitoring and care. Medications, such as benzodiazepines, may be utilized to increase safety by minimizing agitation and lowering the risk of seizure. Outpatient detox: Some clinics and private physicians offer outpatient detox programs in which you live and detox from alcohol at home but attend the program or visit your doctor’s office on a daily schedule. As alcohol withdrawal can be quite severe, outpatient detox options are reserved for those who have been thoroughly evaluated by a physician or other substance abuse treating professional and found to be at minimal risk of experiencing a complicated withdrawal. Learn about Alcohol and Drug Detox Helplines Detoxification is only the first step in treating alcoholism. Many have failed to maintain sobriety because they tried to return to their old lives once they detoxed from alcohol. Relapse is a very real possibility unless one is armed with the tools to stay on the path of recovery. Alcohol and drug detox are step one; additional treatment helps provide these relapse prevention tools. Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. Use the form below to instantly find out if you are covered. Coverage Levels of Different Health Insurance Providers Visit the links below to find out more about insurance companies and coverages for inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment. Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Humana Health Insurance Aetna Health Insurance Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Paying for Rehab Treatment Paying with Insurance Paying without Insurance Additional Resources on Drug and Alcohol Detox Inpatient Detox Outpatient Detox Alcohol and Drug Detox Hotlines Finding Detox Nationwide Sources National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2018). Alcohol Facts and Statistics. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Commonly Abused Drug Charts. Harvard of Public Health. (n.d.). Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Facts Sheets-Alcohol Use and Your Health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Overview of Alcohol Consumption. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th Edition). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). TIP 45: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. University of Wisconsin Health. (2018). Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).  Muncie, H.L., Jr., Yasinian, Y., & Oge', L. (2013). Outpatient Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. American Family Physician, 88 (9), 589-595. ...