Rehab is an important part of the addiction recovery process, but the costs can be a barrier to treatment for many. Some people may even hesitate to receive treatment because of the financial burden attached to it. If you’re wondering how much rehab costs in Canada, this article will help break down what to expect.
How Much Does Rehab Cost in Canada?
There are different kinds of rehab available in Canada, and they all come at varying price points. The type of treatment usually determines the cost of treatment.
Medically Guided Detox
Detox is the first and most crucial step of treatment for different kinds of addiction. Inpatient detox, which is typically included in many residential programs, costs around $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity and medications needed during treatment.
Residential Treatment
For residential treatment, patients can expect to pay around $5,000 to $35,000 for short-term stays. Long-term stays, which are 60 to 90 days, go up to $60,000. The cost of inpatient rehab includes 24/7 care, accommodations, meals, and other amenities.
Outpatient Program
Costs for outpatient treatment in Canada usually range from $50,000 to $15,000 for a 12-week program. If you’re interested in individual sessions, then you may find treatment options that range from $100 to $500.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatments
Co-occurring disorders require more specialised care since they address both addiction and mental health conditions. Costs will usually be more expensive and cost upwards of $35,000 per month.
How to Pay for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Canada
There are different ways to fund the cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Canada. The way you’ll pay for treatment usually depends on whether you’re choosing private or public rehab.
For publicly funded rehab, government-funded programs are available. Addiction treatment is covered under Canada’s Medicare system. Programs like Ontario’s OHIP or British Columbia’s MSP provide free services as well. It’s important to remember that eligibility for these government-funded programs usually requires residency in the province and a health insurance card.
For private rehab, many clients will have to pay for the costs out-of-pocket. Others may also have some of their treatment costs covered by insurance. Insurance coverage will vary depending on the policy.
In some cases, specialised funding is available, with certain non-government organisations offering financial support for rehab services. However, this funding can sometimes be limited and may not cover the entire cost of treatment.
Private Vs. Public Rehab Centres
Rehab in Canada can be through private or public facilities. These two addiction treatment programs will have their differences, and it’s important to know these so that you can make a more informed decision about your treatment.
Price Difference
The first difference between public and private treatment centres is the price difference. Public rehab centres across the country are generally free of charge because they are funded by provincial health systems. They’re more accessible to many since they don’t have the high costs of treatment that are typically associated with private rehab.
On the other hand, private rehab centres usually have a higher cost of treatment, where clients need to pay out-of-pocket fees. Private insurance may also be accepted, with some costs covered in the treatment.
Waiting Times
Another difference between private and public rehab facilities is the waiting times. Since public facilities are more accessible to the population, the waitlist can get quite long. In high-demand regions, those who need treatment may be forced to wait several weeks for support. This can discourage many from following through with treatment.
On the other hand, private rehab centres are typically able to offer immediate or near-immediate admission. These types of facilities have more available resources, and those who wish to receive treatment can be admitted within 24 to 72 hours.
Quality of Care
The level of care in rehab is usually dependent on the resources, environment, and capacity. Public facilities in Canada have skilled and licensed professionals, and they usually use evidence-based treatment models to treat addiction. However, the high demand for public rehab means larger group sizes and less one-on-one attention.
Private facilities usually offer more specialised care for clients due to a lower staff-to-client ratio. This allows private rehabs to provide more personalised treatment that includes individual therapy and other alternative therapies. Some may also offer Dual Diagnosis support for both addiction and mental health conditions.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Those who receive treatment from public facilities in Canada are protected by federal privacy laws like the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) or the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). However, due to the high demand for public treatment, there may be no guarantee of private rooms, and people may expect to share rooms and common areas during treatment.
For private treatment, there will be greater discretion and confidentiality. Many are secluded in private settings, where clients can focus on recovery without outside distractions. Private rehab centres will also offer private or semi-private rooms, allowing clients to maintain a level of anonymity.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Rehab in Canada
Aside from whether treatment is public or private, several other factors influence the cost of treatment, such as:
Type of Treatment
The type of treatment is one of the main factors that determines how much rehab will cost. For example, since inpatient treatment programs provide 24/7 care from medical staff, costs will typically be more expensive.
Outpatient can be a more affordable option for some clients since they live at home and attend scheduled therapy sessions at the facility. If clients need detox for drug or alcohol addiction, it usually adds up to the final cost. In general, the more intensive the treatment, the higher the cost.
Resources and Services
The range of services included in treatment will also influence the overall cost. High-end or full-service rehab centres usually have more amenities and provide more personalised care. Basic programmes usually include group therapy, educational workshops, and standard counselling.
Premium programmes have additional services like one-on-one therapy, holistic therapies, aftercare planning, and access to private chefs. These additions increase the operational costs of a facility and, therefore, influence the final cost.
Quality and Care of Staff
Another factor that influences the final cost of rehab is the level of staff training and credentials. Lower-cost facilities may be staffed primarily by addiction counsellors and general healthcare providers. While they can offer support, there may be cases where they don’t have the advanced training to help out with more specific conditions.
For higher-cost facilities, licensed therapists and addiction physicians are usually part of the team. They may also have psychiatrists for Dual Diagnosis and nutritionists to provide nutritional counselling for clients. The more experienced staff can provide more nuanced care, especially for more complex cases.
Location
Addiction treatment centres located in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal usually have higher real estate and operational costs, which get passed on to the client. The higher cost of living is usually reflected in how much clients pay for treatment.
Treatment centres may sometimes have a lower cost, but there are times when they can be marketed as escapes from daily stressors. The exclusivity and amenities in these rural treatment centres can enhance recovery for some, but it will likely come at a premium.
Length of Stay
Short-term treatment and rehab that last around 28 to 30 days offer intensive support for those who need to overcome and manage their symptoms. These are generally less expensive since clients use fewer amenities in the facility, reflecting the shorter duration of stay.
Since short-term programmes may not be enough for those with long-standing addictions, clients may be recommended for long-term programmes. These rehabs, usually lasting 60 to 90 days or longer, provide clients with more time to build healthy routines and prepare for life after treatment.
Facility’s Accreditation
Rehab centres that are accredited or more well-established often have higher total costs. Some of these regulatory bodies include the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Accreditation Canada, and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).
Rehab accreditation means that the facility has met rigorous standards for safety, ethics, and governance, and it’s why these facilities charge higher fees that reflect their commitment to providing a higher standard of care. Additionally, higher fees reflect a facility’s commitment to providing a higher standard of care.
Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment Worth It?
The financial costs of addiction treatment can make you ask whether treatment is worth it. After all, rehab, especially private rehab options, comes at a significant price. But the cost of drug addiction is far higher than the cost of rehab. If you decide that treatment is a viable option, here are several benefits of investing in addiction treatment, such as:
- Regaining Your Health: Since alcohol and drug addiction can negatively affect your physical and mental well-being, treatment can help you stabilise your health and start rebuilding your body and mind.
- Rebuilding Relationships: Addiction can damage relationships, and addiction treatment can give you a chance to repair these connections. Treatment offers tools like therapy and counselling to repair trust.
- Restoring Stability and Independence: Rehab provides structure and support that can help you return to work and restore stability. Many rehab programmes help clients identify career goals, develop job search skills, and transition back into the workforce.
- Preventing Additional Costs: In the end, getting addiction treatment as early as possible increases your chances of recovery. It can help prevent financial consequences like job loss, legal trouble, and future healthcare bills.
Professional Addiction Rehab at Sierra Recovery
Addiction can be emotionally harrowing and physically demanding, but recovery is always possible. While there are many choices for addiction treatment in Canada, alternative options such as going to rehab in Spain may be a unique opportunity for you to heal away from the stress of daily life. There are many ways to begin your journey toward a healthier, substance-free life, and Sierra Recovery in Malaga is here to help.
We have a team of experts who can provide professional addiction rehab to help you rebuild your life and stay sober. Our team is always here to assist you and answer any questions you may have about treatment. If you are struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
FAQs
How long is rehab in Canada?
In general, detox will last for 3 to 10 days. Short-term inpatient rehab will last around 28 to 30 days, with long-term stays extending from 60 to 90 days or longer.
How common is addiction in Canada?
The Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS) indicates that in 2019, 5% of Canadians aged 15 and older experienced at least one negative consequence due to their drug use.
Do you have to pay for rehab in Canada?
While you have to pay for private treatment in Canada, public options are generally free for Canadian residents with valid health coverage.
