The cost of drug addiction rehab in Vancouver will vary depending on your needs, urgency and budget. However, the cost of substance abuse can take lives. Treatment and recovery are necessary steps toward sobriety and a healthier lifestyle for anyone suffering from addiction.

The recovery process for addiction is life changing and can help to heal those affected by the substance as well as their loved ones. It is important to be sensitive to the fact that the recovery process can be lengthy for the patient as not only do they need to, initially, detoxify themselves from the substance but also undergo treatments of psychological therapy to discover and heal from the route of their addiction.

In Vancouver, there are many different avenues you can choose for the recovery process including private and government-funded supported treatments. Before going ahead to choose the best route for yourself or a loved one, you will want research into the best type of treatment at a cost that you are comfortable with.

You can find over 150 different treatment and recovery services in Vancouver ranging from 12 step meetings and support groups to residential and medical treatments. Depending on your urgency, finding the right service can be a difficult and lengthy process without the correct information, where some services may have longer wait times and others will begin treatment right away.

The cost of drug addiction treatment will depend on the needs of the patient, the type of substance they have been abusing and the severity of their addiction.

In this article, we will walk you through the types of drug addiction treatments accessible to you in Vancouver, the varying costs included government-funded treatments  and amenities or facilities that are available to you.

Drug Addiction treatment costs

Drug rehab can mean different things and the cost of drug addiction in Vancouver will vary depending on the type of treatment required. As mentioned, there are a number of recovery services in Vancouver that will cater to your needs.

• 12 step facilitation & support groups

The 12-step program is a set of principles used to assist those suffering from addiction. Although the 12-step program is set in place at every residential centre, you can always find support groups in your local area if you are using out-patient treatments. The program usually requires a 90-day commitment with regular meetings in a support group, such as Narcotics Anonymous. This treatment is probably the most cost-effective as you can find meetings to attend where you may only be required to provide a small donation to fund the fees that run the program.

• Medical and clinical detox

The detoxification process is described as the most difficult step toward sobriety. The process works to rid the patient’s body of harmful substances, including any drugs they may have been taking, where the patient may need to be monitored closely; especially in circumstances where the drug will have high side effects. Once the patient has completed this process, they will need to be supported in counseling and group therapy to help with overcoming the psychological impact and cause of addiction. In Vancouver, the cost of a clinical drug detoxification can cost anywhere up to $1500 however, at residential treatment centres, the cost of this process will be inclusive of the entire treatment stay. If the side effects of the detox are extremely high, the cost may increase as the patient’s needs will become immense.

• Outpatient Programs

This type of treatment is usually for mild or moderate cases of addiction where patients do not require close monitoring. The patient will carry out their lives as normal whilst attending treatment appointments toward recovery, giving them complete freedom with a high level of care. An outpatient program allows the patient to continue with treatments whilst living out their everyday routine, such as work or school; which remains unaffected.

The outpatient program requires patients to regularly attend appointments to measure the most effective detox plan for them and their families. Patients may be provided with facilities such as support groups, mental assessments and counseling to explore and overcome the initial cause of the drug addiction. The cost of a drug addiction outpatient program in Vancouver often ranges anywhere between $5000 to $10000 although it varies based on the frequency of visitation and the patient’s needs.

•   Medication

During the detoxification stage, many patients may be presented with severe symptoms that will cause extreme difficulties for them such as anxiety, depression, nausea and even seizures. Depending on the type of substance abused, patients may require medication to aid their symptoms during the recovery process. There are several types of addiction treatment medications that may be prescribed by a medical doctor to relieve the symptoms of detox, however, this remains subjective to the patients addiction and their dependency on said drug.

For drugs such as opiates and heroin, patients may be subscribed the following:

1. Methadone: subscribed to help reduce addiction cravings to patients who suffer from a mild to severe opiate addiction. The medication must be used once daily with caution as it can become addictive even though it has been known to treat addiction.
2.  Naltrexone: subscribed to patients to suppress the ability to use drugs by blocking their brains receptors that make the drug pleasurable; the endorphins. The medication is taken every four weeks through an injection which decreases cravings, helping to minimize future drug intake. Unfortunately, side effects may include headaches and nausea.
3.  Buprenorphine (suboxone): subscribed to patients to alleviate symptoms however, unlike methadone, patients may take the drug home with them due to its reduced addiction risk. This medication typically lasts up to 3 days.

Although some patients may not need medication, others will require it to recover fully. The cost will vary depending on the type of medication a patient requires and their recovery plan. As an example, a year of treatments with methadone can cost up to $4700.

• Residential treatment

The cost of drug addiction in Vancouver can be quite a costly process however, there are several resources put in place to help with the financial expenses including free government-funded treatment centres or private care repayment plans and insurance packages.

A residential in-patient treatment allows patients to stay in a 24/7 therapeutic facility for a number of weeks to help them with their drug recovery process. This type of treatment is usually for those suffering with a severe substance addiction who require close and consistent monitoring. The clinical detoxification process is inclusive of a residential treatment stay where patients are given urgent care for any withdrawal symptoms they may be suffering from, including but not limited to sweating, nausea, seizures and depression.

Although the residential facilities are the most expensive, there are a number of in-patient centres in Vancouver that are well accustomed to offering several methods of treatment for their patient’s needs. They usually offer therapeutic amenities, such as health and wellness activities, in beautiful locations that will allow patients to break from their substance abuse habits and socialize amongst other individuals who can relate and help them to grow into a healthier lifestyle.

The cost of drug addiction for a residential in-patient treatment in Vancouver will range anywhere from $5,000 to $45,000 a month. Treatments are usually segmented into 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days, although extended stays may be recommended where studies prove that the longer the length of treatment, the higher the level of effectiveness. For some of the more luxury programs, costs can vary between $12,000 to `60,000 a month.

• Government funded treatment

Government funded residential treatment centres are completely free to Canadians who suffer from addiction but cannot afford to pay for treatment on their own. In British Columbia, the government offers drug addiction recovery programs and services completely free to the public, however, patients must be referred by a medical professional or support worker.

Unfortunately, due to limited funding, government funded centres are unable to provide the same level of care as those that can in a private facility. Patients have limited treatment options with shorter programs and treating plans, proving a lower success rate than those in private care.  As they do not have access to the latest technologies, they cannot offer the same range of services that patients will find at a private centre, however, they will do their best.

•  Private treatments

The cost of staying in a private residential centre can range anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000 a month depending on the patient’s needs and recovery plan, however, higher quality of services and better treatment options usually means a greater success rate. Unlike the government funded centres, private centres can offer a variety of tailored programs for their patients with enhanced treatment services.

Amenities

Different residential facilities will offer a range of amenities and resources to help the recovery process of patients. Although amenities will vary depending on the treatment centre, the purpose of any residential centre is to approach the addiction holistically with locations that are calming and relaxing for the patient.

Some other amenities that may be offered will include:

• Group therapy and private room retreats to help overcome the psychological impact and cause of addiction
• Garden and outdoor space with recreational facilities such as swimming and tennis courts to promote health and wellness
• Gourmet and healthy food prepared to create better lifestyle habits

The better the amenities in a treatment centre, the greater the impact on the success rate of treatment. Patients should feel free and cared for in the facility to recover well.

Affordable repayment options

Repayment plans

Most, if not all, private treatment centres in Vancouver will offer repayment packages to help their patients with the financial expenses of drug rehabilitation. Depending on the patient’s circumstance, treatment centres will find the best way to plan a repayment over several months or years.

Insurance

In Vancouver, private treatment may be covered by healthcare insurance of the patient or their family. Some of these companies are as follows:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Military insurance
• Private insurance
• State-financed health insurance

It is always good to check whether your insurance company will cover private treatments before going ahead to book any type of residential stay for yourself or a loved one.

Choosing the best option

With the cost of drug addiction in Vancouver being so high, selecting the most appropriate treatment facility and recovery process is extremely important. It is important to ensure that all staff members, including nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and addiction counselors, are fully qualified to support the patient. Although licensing is not required in Canada for treatment centres, they must be bound by a governing body to run. This will validate the recovery centre and confirm the treatment options available to their patients.

You may also find centres that are gender and age specific for example, a men’s or adolescent only treatment centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a drug addiction?

Addiction or substance abuse is an extremely sensitive matter that should be treated with confidentiality, patience and understanding. Having to rely on any form of substance on a daily basis to help you to feel more like “yourself’ or relaxed could mean that you have an addiction. If you are worried that you may have a substance issue, you should confide in your loved ones and a healthcare professional about the best form of treatment for you.

What is the cost of drug addiction rehab in Vancouver?

The cost of drug addiction rehab in Vancouver will vary depending on the patients’ needs and the type of treatment required. Through government funded programs, Canadians may receive a free residential treatment although they will need to be referred by a healthcare professional or a support worker. Unfortunately, in a government funded facilit, the treatment may not be as effective as a private facility which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000 a month. Out-patient and medication treatments can start anywhere from $1000 depending on the medication dosage required.

Can I use insurance to pay for drug rehab?

Yes. Many facilities will allow you to use your insurance to help with your payment toward a private residential rehabilitation centre. Talk to your insurance provider to see what can be covered.

How long will I be in rehab?

If you choose to go ahead with an in-patient, residential treatment centre, you could be staying anywhere from 21 to 90 days with a possibility of an extended stay. With an out-patient treatment, you will be able to resume your life as normal with regularly planned appointments to the treatment centre. Regardless of which treatment you opt for, the recovery process is for life. Addiction can take years to overcome where you can continue to visit support groups and counselors to carry on with a healthy lifestyle.