The first step in any addiction treatment is detoxification, which is when the body rids itself with the addictive substance. During detox, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms as their bodies adjust to being without the drug. When choosing a drug and alcohol detox program, several factors must be taken into consideration. The first is whether medically assisted detox is medically necessary. If so, your health insurance may cover your treatment. Your insurer may require a referral from your PCP and prior authorization. Your insurance company may also require you to use an in-network provider.
A majority of detox costs will be covered by health insurance, but your plan may not cover everything. Insurance companies only cover medically necessary services, so you must prove that you need them before you get covered. You may need to pay a deductible before your insurance will cover the remainder of the costs of an inpatient detox at a specialized mental health facility. Medicare will cover a portion of the cost of an inpatient detox in a specialized mental health facility.
What to Expect During Medically Assisted Detox
Patients are monitored closely during medically assisted detox, and medical professionals support the process. Most medically assisted detoxes take place in a hospital or clinic. To create a personalized detox plan, the medical team will analyze the substance in the patient’s body and their mental and physical health. While it can be intimidating to go through a medically assisted detox process, it is essential to overcome the fears and anxieties that often accompany it. People who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms tend to abuse drugs or alcohol in an effort to stave off the symptoms. Although medically assisted detox isn’t for everyone, it is a reliable option for those with serious addiction problems.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has published guidelines for effective detoxification (SAMHSA). Although detox is only the first step in the treatment process, it helps patients get through the hardest parts of the process and prepares them for the next steps in treatment. Prioritizing your recovery is the most important thing you can do during a medically assisted detox. In a medically assisted detox to recover from drug & alcohol addiction, a person will be given medications to help with withdrawal symptoms. These medicines are called benzodiazepines and assist in reducing the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. A medically assisted detox can last anywhere from five to seven days, depending on the individual’s medical condition, the substance used, and the rehabilitation center where they are receiving care.
The Two Types of Detox Programs
Inpatient detox programs provide 24-hour support in a medical facility. Outpatient detox programs are similar but require a shorter stay. Outpatient detox offers a more flexible schedule and a smoother transition to long-term recovery. People with less severe addictions can benefit from outpatient rehab, which is an excellent option for people living at home. Outpatient rehab allows patients to live in their homes or in sober living facilities during the day while receiving therapy. In some cases, patients can transition to inpatient care after completing outpatient care.
The goal of outpatient treatment is to stabilize the health of recovering patients and equip them with the tools to reclaim their lives. Outpatient programs may provide opioid use disorder medications. These medications are used to sustain recovery and prevent overdoses. Patients are supported throughout the process by a multidisciplinary team. An outpatient treatment program has a higher completion rate than an inpatient one, but this shouldn’t be used as a reliable indicator of long-term recovery.
What is the Cost of Detox?
Depending on the level of care and the amenities included, the cost of detoxing from drug and alcohol dependence varies greatly. Inpatient rehab programs for 30 days will cost between $5,000 and $11,000 a day, but less intensive programs cost less. Outpatient treatment centers require you to visit them five times a week to see a counselor and take prescribed medications during a five-day program. Some outpatient rehabs are free, while others cost between $7,000 and $20,000.
For a standard three-month outpatient drug and alcohol detox program, the cost can range from three to ten thousand dollars, while a two-week intensive inpatient rehab program can cost up to $25,000 or more. Outpatient rehabs typically charge a one or two day admission fee, and an average five-day stay costs $300 to $800. Treatment facilities may cost more than others, and emergency detox is often more expensive than standard detox.
If you are interested in learning more about detox, please call our counselors at 833.970.2054. We can help you find the right program for your needs and budget.
