by Robert Killam

Created on: May 19, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

Drug rehabilitation for those recovering from addiction is a lifetime investment, but one that comes at a cost of money, time, and the proverbial "blood, sweat, and tears". Many drug rehab centers will often tell their patients that individual costs for rehabilitation vary based on their specific case, as well as the treatment plan they choose. However, a rough estimation ("ballpark figure") can be made through looking at the various costs incurred after a substance abuse victim has decided to take back control of their life and begins seeking treatment. Nevertheless, for those seeking a "fifteen minute high", the cost of that high and the consequent rehabilitation will hopefully prove enough to, in the words of the band "Against Me!", "stop, take some time to think, figure out what's important to you".

According to the National Substance Abuse Treatment Services Survey (N-SATSS), the cost of an inpatient rehabilitation program is $7,000 per month on average. The average length of an inpatient rehabilitation program is thirty to forty-five days (according to Lakeview Health Systems in Jacksonville, Florida). However, the N-SATSS stresses that prolonged stays in rehabilitation increase the chances of a permanent recovery, which means that costs for a rehabilitation stay can easily reach in excess of $20,000 (for just three months). According to www.drug-rehabs.org, most drug rehab programs have a success rate of between 2% and 20%, though they also say that some programs have a success rate of 75%. Although statistics on relapses are hard to be found, most treatment centers researched for this article stressed the importance of relapse prevention and what some call "aftercare".

Perhaps the most expensive portion of rehabilitation is that of renovating the addict's life. It is not enough to "hop in" a clinic, spend thirty days, and think that everything is going to be just fine. A world of old acquaintances, "friends", loved ones, and others are out in the real world, and they may or may not care that the addict has gone through recovery. Old influences are often there, waiting to feed the addiction yet again. It can often cost time and money to take the necessary steps to change addresses, phone numbers, e-mails, and other contact information to avoid persistent influences.

Whether it's a "soft" drug like marijuana or the "hardcore" drugs like cocaine or meth, paying however much for a short high that leads to the cost of an arrest, a hospital stay, a car accident, a rehabilitation stay, or a funeral is not worth the pleasure of a "fifteen minute high" that the body will crave again and again. Although $7,000 a month for recovery is money well spent for those who are seeking to leave the lifestyle of drugs behind, for those who are not yet addicted or have a superiority complex ("I won't get addicted"), stupidity will come at a high price that is much more than just financial. There is no price on the emotional impact an addict's relapse will have on those who care.

Learn more about this author, Robert Killam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.