Cost of Opioid Treatment

When an individual realizes they need to receive treatment in order to overcome their opioid addiction, roadblocks begin to emerge. These roadblocks to recovery can be anything from family and home life logistics, work and job responsibilities, and the cost of opioid treatment. While the cost of opioid treatment might seem like a large investment, it is important to understand what goes into the cost of opioid treatment and the value it brings in the long run compared to the cost of addiction.

Cost of Untreated Opioid Use Disorder

Before understanding the cost of opioid treatment, it is important to understand the costs involved with opioid use disorder. This includes not only the price of the drugs themselves but the costs to society, as well.

Some of these costs include:

  • Criminal justice
  • Treating babies born dependent on opioids
  • Greater transmission of infectious diseases
  • Treating overdoses
  • Injuries associated with intoxication (e.g., drugged driving)
  • Lost productivity

The costs associated with opioid treatment are small in comparison to the costs an opioid use disorder puts on society in the long run. In fact, the total costs of prescription opioid use disorders and overdoses in the United States was $78 billion in 2013. Of that, only 3.6 percent, or about $2.8 billion, was for treatment.

How the Cost on Society Begins

Heroin is an illegal street opioid drug, which is heavily manufactured. The pricing of heroin can vary, but a dose can cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Individuals who are experiencing active addiction can spend anywhere from $100 to $200 per day on heroin. Since this type of spending is difficult to keep up with, individuals often turn to illegal activity in order to fulfill their addiction. Stealing, prostitution and dealing drugs are illegal ways to make money on the street, posing a threat and high cost to society along the way.

The Cost of Opioid Treatment as an Investment

Getting treatment for opioids isn’t just about getting sober and living a life free of addiction. The money spent on one person getting sober is actually an investment not only in their own lives, but in society as well. According to several conservative estimates, every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When savings related to healthcare are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1.

Cost of Opioid Treatment Versus Untreated Use Disorder

The value of rehab is about 7 to 1 in substance spending versus treatment costs. While looking into treatment centers and costs may bring initial sticker shock, it is important to understand that it will save money in the long run. The value of 7 to 1 means spending 7 times as much money on maintaining the addiction, while also running the risk of dying from an overdose.

The money saved by entering treatment allows individuals to experience less stress in already stressful situations. Maintaining an addiction is expensive, so eliminating that stressor can be a huge comforting first step for many families.

Finding the Right Treatment Center

Finding the right treatment center is the first step in every recovery process, and is often the most important. Being able to connect with your treatment team is vital and can make a significant difference in long-term recovery.

  • Residential rehab. At residential rehab, individuals move into a facility for 30 or 90 days, depending on the recommended treatment program. Individuals are able to fully immerse themselves in the treatment experience, free of distractions and triggers, allowing for improved chances of long-term recovery. While it is the more expensive option, it can yield the best long-term results.
  • Outpatient rehab. At outpatient rehab, individuals are able to return home at the end of each day. This gives people the ability to maintain family and work responsibilities while also receiving the care they need. Due to this flexibility, outpatient rehab is only recommended for people who have a new or mild addiction. It is less expensive than residential rehab, however, is not always as successful and requires more focus, determination, and outside support than residential rehab.

About Cliffside Malibu

The price paid for the treatment of opioid use disorder is only a small fraction of the overall cost of untreated opioid use disorder becomes. Our admissions specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to confidentially. They will answer any questions you may have, and explain the treatment and admissions process. They can also help you work out logistics such as time off work and insurance coverage.

Since no two addictions are the same, Cliffside Malibu offers an individualized treatment plan for every client. We are committed to providing evidence-based treatment through a continuum of care model including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program also includes family therapy and holistic therapy, as well. Whether an individual is suffering from substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction, our programs are structured to create a supportive environment where healing can begin.

In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, and meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com