The Hidden Costs of Rehab: What You Should Know
For anyone living with addiction, getting the help you need is an absolute must. Seeking help from counselling, support groups and rehab centres can be instrumental in getting a person’s life back on track.
When it comes to the cost of rehab itself, many of us are aware of the upfront costs and these days there are plenty of centres with an affordable drug rehab cost. But often what we don’t consider are the unexpected costs outside of rehab that could come into play.
These are always worth considering to get a full idea of how much you’ll need to budget for rehab. So, here are the costs you should also know about that may come into play throughout your treatment and into recovery…
Additional Medical Expenses
If the treatment package you’re looking at doesn’t include detox, then you’re going to also want to go through that under medical supervision. It’s really important to have support and medical assistance during detox, particularly for those with more severe addictions. Detox itself can cost anywhere from around the £500 mark up to £3,000, depending on whether it’s medically supervised and the level of care that is required.
It’s possible that you may need ongoing medical care for mental health conditions during this period too or any medication-assisted treatment, which can also add to the cost, so it’s important to price up all of this so it doesn’t catch you out.
Lost Income and Time Off Work
Naturally, you are going to need to take time off work for rehab, particularly if you’re going into residential rehab. While some employers may offer sick leave or provide employee assistance programmes that cover rehab costs, not everyone is in such a position.
That’s of course the case for those in self-employment, but anyone who needs to take unpaid leave off needs to account for that.
Outpatient rehab can allow people to continue working, which can help navigate that, but if you need inpatient treatment, it’s vital to factor this in.
Travel and Accommodation Costs
Not all rehab centres are located nearby, and travel expenses can add up quickly. Whether it’s fuel costs, train tickets, or flights, getting to and from a rehab facility can be a costly factor that is often overlooked.
In some cases, family members may want to visit or attend therapy sessions, which could mean additional travel and accommodation costs. If the facility does not provide visitor accommodation, hotel stays or alternative arrangements may be necessary, adding further financial strain.
Aftercare and Ongoing Therapy
Recovery doesn’t end once rehab is complete. Many individuals require aftercare support, such as therapy, counselling, or sober living arrangements, which may not be included in the initial rehab cost.
Private therapy sessions can range from £40 to £150 per session, and ongoing support groups, such as SMART Recovery or private coaching, may have membership or participation fees. However, it’s important to note that investing in aftercare is essential for long-term success, but it’s important to factor in these ongoing expenses when planning for rehab.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Relapse Prevention
After leaving rehab, many individuals make lifestyle changes to support their recovery, which can come with additional costs. This may include adopting a healthier diet, joining a gym, enrolling in new activities, or moving to a new environment to avoid triggers.
Relapse prevention strategies, such as continued therapy or medication-assisted treatment, may also require ongoing financial investment. While these changes are beneficial for long-term sobriety, they can add up over time and should be considered in financial planning.