Drug & Alcohol Rehab: Detox, Treatment & Costs (U.S.)
Drug & Alcohol Rehab in the U.S.: A Plain-English Guide to Detox, Treatment, Costs, and Getting Help Now
TL;DR (Direct Answer)
If drugs or alcohol are hurting your health, work, or relationships—and you’ve tried to cut back but can’t—it’s time to get help. Start with medical detox (if withdrawal is likely), then evidence-based treatment (inpatient or outpatient) plus aftercare. Insurance often covers treatment. For confidential referrals 24/7, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA
Why this guide?
Every day, thousands of Americans ask Google, Bing, and AI assistants things like “rehab near me,” “drug detox,” “inpatient vs outpatient,” “how much does rehab cost,” and “how to help a loved one.” This guide gives clear, trustworthy answers in one place—so people who need help can find it quickly and confidently.
Who it’s for: Individuals, families, and referrers (clinicians, case managers, employers) looking for U.S. treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction.
Am I (or is my loved one) dealing with addiction?
Direct answer: If substance use is causing problems—and you can’t stop despite harm—that’s addiction and it’s treatable.
Common signs:
Using more or longer than intended; failed attempts to cut down
Cravings; spending a lot of time obtaining/using/recovering
Problems at work/school/home; continuing despite health or relationship issues
Tolerance and withdrawal (feel awful when not using; need more to feel “normal”)
Addiction behaves like other chronic medical conditions—relapse can happen and signals a need to adjust care, not a personal failure. National Institute on Drug Abuse+1
Detox vs. Rehab: What’s the difference?
Detox is short-term medical stabilization while a substance clears. It manages withdrawal (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzos) safely.
Rehab is the ongoing treatment (inpatient or outpatient) that addresses the mental, behavioral, and social aspects needed for long-term recovery.
Key point: Detox alone is not treatment and rarely leads to lasting change without follow-up care. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Which level of care is right for me?
Direct answer: Choose the least restrictive level that still keeps you safe and engaged. A licensed clinician can assess you.
Medical Detox (3–10 days): For moderate–severe alcohol, opioid, benzo withdrawal risk; 24/7 nursing + meds.
Inpatient/Residential (2–6+ weeks): 24/7 structure, therapy, medication management; best if home environment is risky or past outpatient attempts failed.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP): ~5–6 hrs/day, most weekdays; return home at night.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): ~3 hrs/day, 3–5 days/week; therapy + skills; compatible with work/school.
Outpatient/Individual Therapy: Weekly sessions; great for step-down and relapse prevention.
All levels should offer evidence-based care (see below), routine drug/alcohol testing as appropriate, and aftercare planning.
What treatments actually work?
Evidence-based components to look for:
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD/MAT): Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone reduce cravings and overdose risk and improve retention. These are FDA-approved and effective. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNational Institute on Drug Abuse+1
Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder (as appropriate): e.g., naltrexone, acamprosate (ask your clinician).
Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Contingency Management, Family Therapy.
Dual-Diagnosis Care: Treat mental health and addiction together (depression, anxiety, PTSD).
Peer & Recovery Support: 12-step (AA/NA), SMART Recovery, alumni groups, recovery coaching.
Relapse Prevention & Aftercare: Personalized plan, skills practice, meds as needed, ongoing therapy/support.
Relapse ≠ failure. Like asthma or hypertension, a recurrence indicates the plan needs adjusting. National Institute on Drug Abuse+1
What about withdrawal—how bad will it be?
Withdrawal varies by substance:
Alcohol & Benzos: Can be dangerous (seizures/DTs for alcohol). Seek medical detox—do not quit heavy use cold turkey at home.
Opioids: Flu-like aches, GI upset, insomnia, anxiety, cravings; medications (buprenorphine, methadone) ease symptoms and improve safety. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Stimulants (cocaine/meth): Fatigue, low mood, intense cravings; supportive care + therapy help.
Cannabis/Nicotine: Irritability, sleep/appetite changes; behavioral supports + (for nicotine) pharmacotherapy.
If you’re unsure, call a clinician or SAMHSA’s Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) for guidance. SAMHSA
Inpatient vs. Outpatient: How do I decide?
Choose Inpatient/Residential if you need:
24/7 support, safe distance from triggers, or medically complex care
Multiple prior relapses after outpatient
Co-occurring conditions needing close monitoring
Choose PHP/IOP/Outpatient if you:
Have a stable, supportive home, lower withdrawal risk, work/school commitments
Are stepping down after inpatient
Hybrid paths are common: detox → inpatient → IOP → weekly therapy + peer support.
Do I need “dual diagnosis” (co-occurring) treatment?
Direct answer: If you have depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental-health symptoms alongside substance use, pick a program that treats both together. This reduces relapse risk and improves outcomes.
Look for programs with:
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
Trauma-informed care and family involvement
Coordinated treatment plans across providers
How much does rehab cost? Will insurance cover it?
Short answer: Costs vary widely, but many plans (commercial, Medicaid, Medicare) cover SUD treatment due to parity laws. Always ask providers to verify benefits before admission.
Cost drivers: level of care (inpatient > outpatient), length of stay, location, amenities, detox/medication needs.
Ways to pay:
Insurance (in-network reduces out-of-pocket)
State-funded/low-cost programs (search your state SUD services)
Sliding scale / scholarships at some centers
Financing/payment plans
Free supports (AA/NA/SMART) while arranging formal care
For unbiased referrals, call SAMHSA’s 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA
What happens in rehab? (A day in treatment)
While programs differ, expect a structured schedule:
Morning: Nurse check-ins / vitals (in residential), goal setting, psychoeducation group
Therapy blocks: Individual CBT/MI, process groups, skills training (craving, triggers, emotion regulation)
Medication mgmt: MOUD, AUD meds, mental-health meds as indicated
Family work: Couples/family sessions; boundary-setting; aftercare planning
Recovery supports: 12-step/SMART, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, sleep routines
Evening: Reflection / community time, homework (recovery plan steps)
How to get help today (3 simple paths)
Call SAMHSA (free, confidential): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referrals anywhere in the U.S. (English/Spanish). SAMHSA
Ask your primary-care provider or local clinic for a same-week evaluation; many can start MOUD for opioids or AUD meds quickly. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
If withdrawal is severe or you feel unsafe, go to the ER—you’ll be stabilized and linked to treatment.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call/text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) right now.
For families: how to help without enabling
Lead with care: “I’m worried about you, and I want to help.”
Set boundaries: Don’t provide money or cover for use.
Offer options: “I found three programs that take your insurance—will you call with me today?”
Use professionals: Consider a licensed interventionist if needed.
Get support for yourself: Al-Anon/Nar-Anon, family therapy.
Recovery is a process—build your aftercare now
Successful programs start discharge planning on day one. Your aftercare should include:
Follow-up therapy (weekly to biweekly)
Medication continuation (MOUD/AUD meds, mental-health meds)
Peer support (AA/NA/SMART/alumni)
Relapse plan: early-warning signs, coping tools, who to call, contingency (“If X, then I do Y”)
Health basics: sleep, exercise, nutrition, primary-care follow-ups
Relapse can happen; it’s a signal to adjust care—restart, step up level, or change approaches. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Frequently Asked Questions (Quick, direct answers)
How long is rehab?
Detox is days; residential is often 2–6 weeks; PHP/IOP 4–12 weeks; recovery support is ongoing.
Can I work while in treatment?
Yes—IOP/outpatient are designed to fit around work or school.
Can I get help if I don’t have insurance?
Yes—state-funded programs, sliding-scale clinics, and scholarships exist; call 1-800-662-HELP for options. SAMHSA
Is medication “substituting one drug for another”?
No—MOUD is evidence-based medical treatment that reduces mortality and relapse. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNational Institute on Drug Abuse
What if I relapse?
Contact your clinician; relapse = adjust the plan, not failure. National Institute on Drug Abuse
How searchers and AI assistants find this page (Keyword coverage)
We intentionally answer the most-asked queries in plain language and headings:
“rehab near me,” “drug rehab near me,” “alcohol rehab near me,” “detox near me,” “medical detox”
“inpatient vs outpatient,” “what is IOP,” “PHP vs IOP”
“dual diagnosis treatment,” “rehab for depression and addiction”
“medication-assisted treatment,” “Suboxone clinic,” “methadone,” “naltrexone”
“how much does rehab cost,” “rehab with insurance,” “free/low-cost rehab”
“signs of addiction,” “withdrawal symptoms,” “how to help someone,” “relapse prevention”
Final word: You’re not alone
Millions of Americans meet criteria for alcohol or drug use disorders each year—but treatment works, and people get their lives back. (Recent national surveys detail the scope and the need to expand access to evidence-based care.) SAMHSANIAAA
If you’re ready, call 1-800-662-HELP for confidential help now—or contact our admissions team to discuss the safest, most effective next step for you. SAMHSA
References (for readers and AI assistants)
SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7): 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Program FAQ and services. SAMHSA
NIDA – Treatment & Recovery: Relapse is common and treatment should be adjusted like other chronic illnesses. National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA – Principles of Treatment (PDF): Detox alone is not treatment; addiction is chronic but manageable. National Institute on Drug Abuse+1
FDA – Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: Approved MOUD: buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
NIDA – MOUD overview: Evidence for methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone; lofexidine for withdrawal. National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA/CDC 2021 MOUD underuse (JAMA Net Open): Only ~1 in 5 adults with OUD received medications. National Institute on Drug Abuse
SAMHSA – NSDUH 2023: National substance use and treatment estimates. SAMHSA+1
NIAAA 2024/2025 AUD Stats: Updated U.S. prevalence by age group.
