How Much Does Online Rehab Cost in the UK?
The decision to go to rehab is a major one, but it’s often delayed due to the increasing cost of drug addiction treatment. Though there are numerous treatment centers in the UK, there’s a lack of awareness about factors that influence drug rehab cost. This can lead to hesitation with regards to seeking treatment for substance abuse. Not to mention, the financial burden that comes with supporting your family while for rehab can downplay the benefits of treatment, making it harder to recover.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll discuss the average cost of rehab for drug and alcohol abuse, factors that influence it, as well as different payment options available. Knowing the different options available can help you make an informed decision while choosing addiction rehab facilities.
Different Kinds of Rehab and Their Costs
To understand how treatment costs can vary between facilities, it’s important to understand the kind of rehab settings available. Even though they may have some similarities, programs are designed and organised to provide different levels of care. Here’s a detailed explanation on the kinds of rehab and the kind of care you can expect:
Inpatient And Outpatient Programs
When you approach alcohol or drug rehab, it’s mainly divided into inpatient care and outpatient treatment. The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is about where you’ll be staying for a majority of the time: in a rehab center versus at home.
Inpatient Rehab
This refers to short-term, intensive care provided as part of detox programs or to stabilise patients struggling with substance abuse. To put it simply, it’s an option reserved for emergencies or when medical supervision is needed.
In most cases, inpatient care is provided through hospital emergency centers. The goal is to supervise patients, provide support, and conduct a psychiatric evaluation. In some cases, inpatient services can be involuntary and it’s often used to treat severe symptoms. This is to ensure that the patient is stable enough to transition to outpatient care.
As the name implies, inpatient services can end up costing more than outpatient services due to its intensive nature of treatment. Usually, it involves the cost of medical evaluations, supervision, medication, and accommodation.
Outpatient Rehab
After inpatient substance abuse treatment, you transition to an outpatient program. It has fewer restrictions than inpatient services and programs fall into two levels of care. Namely, these are intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program (PHP).
Partial Hospitalisation: Typically, you’re transferred to PHP after inpatient treatment. This is a smooth transition from staying at the hospital for 24 hours a day to about 6 hours a day for treatment. It’s a highly intensive approach, so you can’t expect to work during treatment. The goal of this treatment is to stabilise addiction-related behaviors in the early stages of recovery.
Intensive Outpatient: After a few weeks of PHP, you can move to intensive outpatient programming. You only have to attend treatment for about 3 hours per day, for 5 days per week. A shorter treatment period means that you can return to your daily life. It’s much more flexible, so you can tend to responsibilities like childcare, with support from professionals. In this stage of outpatient treatment, you focus on psychoeducation and preventing a relapse with stress reduction techniques.
Since you’ll be going home at night and aren’t staying at the hospital for a prolonged period, outpatient care costs less than inpatient drug abuse treatment. It’s recommended for people with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, or as part of long-term treatment.
Of course, the cost of outpatient alcohol rehab depends on how long you need their services. Treatment periods last between 3 and 6 months, based on the severity of the addiction.
Luxury or Private Rehabs
At first glance, luxury, residential, or private rehab may seem similar to inpatient rehab, but there are a few key differences. While inpatient rehab may be involuntary and required in emergency situations as a short-term solution, private or residential rehab is a long-term option. It’s requires you to enroll voluntarily, and there’s much more variety and choice involved in treatment.
There are major differences between the setting and accommodation of residential and inpatient rehab. Residential treatment programs take place in different kinds of settings unlike inpatient rehab, which is reserved for hospital settings. For example, supervised accommodations and treatment communities.
Because it’s outside the hospital system, private or residential rehab costs much more. This is especially the case with luxury rehab services, where you can benefit from community-based rehabilitation, alternative therapies, and five-star amenities. Of course, the cost of private rehab lies on a spectrum, so you can find treatment options at different price points.
NHS-Funded Rehabs
This rehab option is funded by the NHS, so you don’t have to pay for it. The NHS offers substance abuse treatment for people struggling with addiction, but these services are provided on an outpatient basis. There aren’t any NHS-funded residential rehab options. If your addiction is considered too severe to treat in an outpatient setting, you may be referred for private rehab, but this is an exception.
Through the NHS, you’ll receive medication while undergoing outpatient detox to help manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. You’ll also be referred to a therapist to address the psychological aspect of your addiction.
Even though it’s free, NHS-funded rehab services have long waiting lists. That means you could end up waiting for weeks before getting treatment and detox services.
Charity Rehabs
Many local non-profit organisations offer drug or alcohol rehab at little to no cost. These programs are available in residential and outpatient modules, but they’re funded by charities, so your ability to get a place depends on availability.
Not to mention, you may need to meet specific criteria to get a place. For example, some charity-funded rehab programs are designed for men with alcohol use disorder, while others are for teenagers with opioid addiction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll undergo an evaluation to determine whether you can benefit from inpatient or outpatient services. Despite being free of cost or available at a low cost, charity-funded rehab offers limited choice.
Online Rehab
Another type of rehab that’s been gaining traction these days is online rehab. It stems from teletherapy and aims to offer comprehensive yet accessible and affordable addiction treatment. With online rehab, you’ll get the same evidence-based practices, professional care, and an individualised treatment plan.
While online rehab may not be the best choice for people with a long history of substance use disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms, it’s still helpful for some. Not to mention, these programs conduct a pre-assessment check to see if you’re stable enough to undergo online rehab.
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Factors That Influence Rehab Costs
When you inquire about the actual cost of alcohol, opioid, or methadone treatment, it can vary based on numerous factors. There aren’t fixed costs for substance use disorders; rather, they go up or down based on things like the location of the rehab clinic, how long you stay there, and the type of accommodation and amenities provided. Here’s a close look at the factors affecting rehab costs in the UK.
Type of Rehab
The biggest factor to influence rehab costs is the type of program you’re enrolled in. If it’s a private rehab facility, you can expect to may much more than if you’re seeking treatment through an NHS-funded program. Similarly, if the severity of your symptoms requires inpatient addiction rehab over an outpatient program, the cost will end up being much higher.
And if you choose online rehab over outpatient programs, that cost goes down even further since online services are often more cost-effective. Of course, if you choose an option like NHS-funded rehab or drug rehabilitation services by a nonprofit organisation, you can receive free treatment. When you’re trying to estimate how much a rehab program will cost, start by understanding the type of rehab services they provide.
Location
Another factor that affects the cost of drug rehab is the location of the rehab facility. If a clinic is based in a developed, urban area, then you can expect them to charge more for addiction and mental health services. Meanwhile, facilities located farther away from urban centers tend to charge less.
But for some rehab clinics, choosing a location farther away from urban areas is part of the appeal. You can recover in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Therefore, being far-away doesn’t necessarily mean that a rehab program will cost less.
Length of Stay
How long you stay at a rehab facility plays a major role in how much you end up paying. It has a directly proportional relationship to the cost of drug addiction treatment because the longer you stay, the more care you need. We don’t mean that you should opt for a shorter stay in order to cut back on costs, but you should consider how long you’ll stay when weighing different financing options. That being said, some patients can definitely benefit from a longer stay at rehab if it improves the chances of recovery.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment they provide also has an impact on rehab costs. Not all drug rehabilitation centers offer the same kind of treatment. Some programs may only include behavioral therapies, while others offer support groups, family counselling, and skill building.
Since each type of treatment needs to be provided by a licensed clinician, the overall cost inevitably goes up. You’ll even find private rehab facilities offering treatments such as animal-assisted therapy, massage therapy, and music therapy, all of which lead to higher rehab costs.
To avoid paying for treatments that don’t align with your needs, we recommend assessing a program’s treatment options.
Medication and Detox
Treatment centers have varying programs based on the kind of care you need. Some people struggling to overcome their drug abuse may need a detox, while people with other kinds of addiction may not require one. Consequently, addiction specialists formulate treatment plans based on your specific needs.
A detox can end up increasing the cost of treatment because it means that you need additional care and supervision, as well as prescription for detox medication. You may also get a prescription for medication to relieve psychological symptoms affecting your recovery journey. This is often known as medication assisted treatment, and it can improve the chances of a positive outcome during treatment. Of course, it can end up increasing how much you pay to treat your substance or alcohol use disorder.
Accommodation and Amenities
Besides the location and treatments available, the kind of experience you get has a major influence on how much you pay for drug or alcohol rehab. Two main factors make up your experience: your accommodation and the amenities at the rehab facility.
At most mid-tier private rehab clinics, you share a living space with other roommates, which brings down the cost. But if you go to a high-end or luxury residential rehab, you can choose from semi-private and private room options, too. Meanwhile, other amenities, like gourmet meals, spa treatments, fitness equipment, and leisure activities also add to the cost.
Personal Factors
It’s possible for two people to visit the same rehab facility but pay completely different amounts for treatment. That’s because there are personal, other factors that impact how much you pay for rehab. For example, having both a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental disorder.
In this case, you’ll need treatment for both conditions in order to see a positive outcome, which increases how much you pay. Similarly, some people have a long history of substance use disorder, which is harder to treat and necessitates specific services. Either way, it ends up increasing the overall cost.
Payment Options For Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Wondering how you’ll pay for addiction rehab? Whether you’re seeking alcohol, opioid, or methadone treatment, payment options are pretty similar. Drug rehabilitation centers understand that not everyone can pay for treatment out-of-pocket. That’s why you’ll find a range of options available on their website.
Private Funding
For starters, the most straightforward option is to self-fund your addiction treatment at rehab. You can do this by paying a lump sum to the rehab facility or paying smaller amounts each week. Of course, rehab can be expensive, and not everyone can afford to pay for their entire treatment. Some may reach for their savings, ask for financial support from family members, or take out a loan to pay for a rehab. However, we only recommend trying this after looking through options accessible through your health insurance.
Insurance Coverage
Many people in the UK also have private health insurance through providers like BUPA, Aviva, and AXA. It’s possible that your specific plan offers insurance coverage for a rehab stay to treat addiction. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover, as well as how much you have to pay out-of-pocket.
Just remember that insurance providers set an upper limit as to how much of the rehab cost they’ll cover. For instance, insurance plans may cover a 28-day stay at a private rehab facility, but not a 60-day stay. Moreover, you should check which rehab programs you can enroll in based on your insurance. Providers have contracts with specific rehabilitation services. Therefore, you’ll need to stay within the network in order for your policy to cover the cost of rehab.
NHS and Charity-Funded
If you don’t have private insurance and can’t afford the cost of private rehab, you can always seek free-of-cost options funded by the NHS and nonprofit organisations. Through the NHS, you can access outpatient addiction treatment services like detox medication and behavioral therapy. Because NHS-funded rehab follows an outpatient model, it gives you the flexibility to continue going to work and fulfilling other responsibilities.
But if you’re looking for low-cost residential rehab, some charities may be offering discounted rehab services in your local community. When discussing your eligibility for a residential rehab program, remember to mention why outpatient services wouldn’t be a good fit for you. For instance, if you struggle with severe withdrawal symptoms or don’t have a supportive environment at home, which could lead to a higher risk of relapse.
Average Rehab Cost In The UK
In the UK, average drug or alcohol rehab costs anywhere between £1,000 to £10,000, but it can easily cost much more. It depends on whether you’re getting inpatient or outpatient treatment, the length of the treatment period, and whether it’s a privately-funded, NHS-funded, or charity rehab program.
Private Rehab
Let’s suppose you opt for private rehab, where the average stay is about 28 to 30 days. The typical cost can range from £1,500 to £10,000 per week. Some of the more affordable private rehab facilities can charge around £7,000 to £10,000 for the entire 30 days, while high-end luxury facilities easily end up costing £30,000 and more for a one-month stay. Whether or not you need a medical detox also affects the cost, as need for additional care and supervision means a higher bill.
Inpatient Rehab, Followed By Outpatient Services
The second option is if you receive short-term inpatient treatment at a hospital, followed by an outpatient program. Here, inpatient services offered through a hospital could cost around £1,500 to £3,000 per week. After that, you can expect to pay about £1,000 per week for outpatient rehab.
Other Costs To Consider
Remember that the overall rehab cost is a complex mix of various fees and treatment expenses. It’s possible that you’re expecting rehab cost to include things like medication, accommodation, and treatment costs, but there’s more to it. It’s possible that you need to pay for additional therapies and hidden fees, all of which raise the cost of the rehab program.
Continued Therapy
When getting treated for addiction, completing treatment at residential rehab isn’t the end. Most rehab centers offer continued therapy, which includes weekly sessions with a licensed therapist. These sessions are designed to guide you on relapse prevention strategies and help you cope with new stressors as you return to everyday life.
Hidden Fees
When you enroll in a rehab program, the should be prepared for the costs to include hidden fees. A stay at a residential rehab facility includes much more than just the costs of accommodation, meals, and treatment. Some hidden costs include fees for assessments, psychiatric evaluations, and medical checkups. These, along with other niche treatments and services, can drive up the cost of your rehab stay.
How The Length of Your Stay Affects Costs
As we mentioned earlier, how long you’ll be staying at a residential facility has a major impact on the overall cost. If you need a detox as part of your treatment, you have a few options. Either get an outpatient detox, stay at an inpatient facility for the detox, or enroll in residential rehab for a long-term treatment plan, which includes a detox.
The cheapest option here, as the name implies, is to detox at home while getting medication through an outpatient clinic. However, if you’re not eligible for an outpatient detox, such as when you struggle with severe withdrawal symptoms, an inpatient detox is recommended. You’ll spend about 2 weeks detoxing under medical supervision.
If you choose to enroll in a private rehab facility, you’ll be staying there for 28 to 30 days on average, which costs much more than a short-term inpatient stay or conventional outpatient services. However, there’s a possibility of your stay extending beyond the average one month period.
Case managers review patients’ progress to determine whether or not they can transition from residential to outpatient treatment. If you’re not considered eligible, your stay may be extended to 60 or 90 days as part of the treatment plan.
Finding The Right Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facility For You
When looking for residential rehab centers, you’ll see that many private facilities operate throughout the UK. However, not all of them are built the same. To ensure you find a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality of care, here are a few factors you should consider:
What Do They Specialise In?
It’s common for residential treatment programs to specialise in treating certain substance use disorders. For instance, some treatment centers specialise in drug rehabilitation, while others offer alcohol rehab. Then, you’ll also find rehab centers that offer dual diagnosis services to address co-occurring mental health challenges.
The rehab should also have a positive track record for addressing the kind of addiction you’re experiencing. Look for testimonials from previous patients to know about the quality of care they provide to address the type of addiction you’re seeking treatment for.
What Treatments Do They Offer?
The same treatment approach doesn’t work for everyone with an addiction. That’s why it’s recommended to understand the kind of treatments they provide.
Some clinics may only offer individual and group therapy, but not a medical detox. Others may offer both, but lack other resources, like occupational therapy or a dual diagnosis approach to address mental disorders.
A facility with a holistic approach combines both evidence-based and alternative therapies for an enhanced effect. We recommend asking about available treatments to avoid signing up for a program that doesn’t meet your needs.
Do They Offer Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication is a crucial part of addiction treatment, especially if you have to undergo a medical detox. We recommend looking for a rehab that offers medication assisted treatment, which combines the use of medication and behavioral therapies to improve outcomes.
Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can make it harder to focus on treatment. Prescribing medication can help alleviate these symptoms and improve outcomes. There’s evidence that this approach can lead to increased patient retention and ongoing recovery after treatment. Though it’s commonly used to address opiate use disorder, it can assist people struggling with alcohol addiction, too.
What Amenities Are There?
Remember that you’ll be staying at residential rehab for about 4 weeks, so amenities are an important consideration. In some programs, the standard of living matches high-end resorts and spas. Meanwhile, others offer standard facilities that are just as capable of helping you recover. Many facilities across the UK offer different amenities to ensure quality care in a comfortable environment.
Are They Transparent About The Cost?
For any addicted person or their family, the cost of drug or alcohol rehab plays a major role in impacting what treatment program they choose. When asking about the addiction treatment costs, remember to ask about any additional fees that you may have to pay for. For instance, medication, medical evaluations, and other costs.
Bottom Line: How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost
To sum it up, the average cost of rehab can vary depending on factors like location, amenities, and the kind of treatments available. The cost can range between £1,000 to £10,000, depending on whether it’s an outpatient or inpatient program. NHS-funded rehab is free of cost, but can involve long waiting times and only involves outpatient services.
Meanwhile, charity rehab centers offer services at no cost or a discounted price, but are generally limited. Your health insurance policy can also cover the cost of drug addiction treatment, but it comes down to what plan you have.
We recommend consulting your insurance provider to understand out of pocket costs. Regardless of which option you choose, keep in mind that untreated addiction has a greater financial toll than a treatment stay. For more guidance on your available options, get in touch with us at UK Home Detox.
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Author / Jason Shiers / Dip.Psych MBACP
Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist who is a specialist in addiction, trauma and eating disorders. He has been working in the field of addiction for 25 years now.
