“The Universe does indeed provide for your every need.”

~Ellen Peterson, Choosing Joy, Creating Abundance

Substance abuse is a major problem in Colorado. For example, in Denver, the rates of abuse for nearly every major type of drug has gone up significantly in recent years, especially for methamphetamines, heroin, and prescription opioid painkillers.

Just as it is in other states, there continues to be an issue with providing the highest quality alcohol and drug rehab for the greatest number of state residents.

The best way to do that is by making it easier to pay for drug treatment in Colorado. For many, their biggest perceived barrier is affordability.

Can I REALLY Afford Drug Treatment in Colorado?

Perhaps a better question that someone struggling with addiction should ask is –

“Can I REALLY afford to NOT to go to drug treatment?”

A drug habit can be financially devastating:

• Prescription opioid painkillers – $40,000-$100,000 annually
• Heroin – more than $50,000 annually
• Methamphetamines – more than $30,000 annually
• Marijuana – approximately $10,000 annually
• Alcohol – $3500-$7000 annually

Each of these figures only takes into account the cost of the substance itself – it doesn’t include criminal charges, attorney’s fees, lost wages, or medical bills.

It also doesn’t include the non-financial costs to the family or to society – broken homes, domestic violence, incarceration, or generational addiction. The children of drug-abusing parents are 80% more likely to become substance abusers themselves than the rest of the US population.

How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Colorado?

Because each person’s addiction is specific unto them – the length/severity of their addiction, the drug of choice, etc. –it can be hard to predict the exact costs of a person’s individual treatment plan.

It is, however, possible to give some approximations that can be used as a starting point. There are two things to keep in mind –

FIRST, addiction professionals recommend a minimum of 90 days of some combination of inpatient and outpatient rehab if recovery is to be successful.

SECOND, it can be MUCH longer. For instance, a person struggling with a heroin addiction may need a methadone maintenance program that can last at least one year.

• Drug/alcohol detox – $500/day, lasting 3-14 days
• Outpatient addiction treatment – $10,000
• Residential rehab –$8000-$32,000 per month
• Methadone maintenance – $5000 annually
• “Luxury” drug rehab – up to $80,000 per month

The average short-term residential rehab length is 26 days, and the average long-term length is 70 days.

How Can I Pay for Drug Treatment in Colorado?

There’s no doubt about it – professional addiction treatment is in no way inexpensive. But it is just as clear that it costs much less – financially and in human terms – than the continued progression of the disease of addiction.

But even without consideration, putting out that much money may be beyond your means, so here are some tips to make drug rehab in Colorado more affordable.

• Private Insurance – Because of the Affordable Health Care Act, more people in Colorado than ever before have insurance.

If your immediate question is “Will MY insurance cover rehab?”, there’s good news.

By law, insurance carriers are obligated to provide coverage for alcohol/drug treatment, thereby reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses.

• Bank Loans – For those without insurance, personal loans taken out by either them or their family can literally be a life-saving option.

• Selling Assets – For some, the best option is to cash borrow against– or even cash in – insurance policies or retirement plans, or to sell any valuable personal property or real estate that they (or their family) may own. Some people even take out a second mortgage on their residence.

• Borrow from Friends or Family Members– The loved ones of addicts/alcoholics often will pool their resources to help pay for rehab.

• Credit Cards –To offset part of or all of the cost of rehab.

• Payment Arrangements –A minority of facilities will allow some clients to pay on a short-term installment plan.

• Combined Treatment –The best solution may be a shorter inpatient stay, immediately followed by longer-yet-less-expensive outpatient treatment, which can very often be paid in installments.

Here’s the most important point to keep in mind – if you (or someone you care about) is struggling with addiction, you need to do whatever it takes to get yourself/them into treatment. The sooner recovery begins, the better chance of successful, long-term sobriety.

Another Great Article to Continue Reading:

https://www.aspenridgerecovery.com/blog/should-you-choose-outpatient-or-inpatient-addiction-treatment-in-colorado/