How Much Does Rehab Cost in the UK?

The United Kingdom has had many struggles with drug and alcohol use. The Office of National Statistics reported roughly 5,400 deaths due to drug poisonings in 2023 in England and Wales. Between 2022 and 2023, there were almost 140,000 people seeking some sort of treatment programme for substance use.

However, while there are many who need treatment, the cost of alcohol and drug rehab in the UK can give someone pause before they embark on a recovery journey. The NHS does cover the cost of healthcare, including mental health and addiction support. But, there are still people who need more treatment than what the National Health Service can provide. So many will look to private rehab facilities.

But how much do rehabs cost in the UK?

How Much Does Rehab Cost in the UK?

The cost of treating drug or alcohol addiction can vary. Some rehab centres in the United Kingdom can charge tens of thousands of pounds for treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. That said, there are also free resources available. Generally speaking, the cost of treating addiction in the UK can range from free to costing a small fortune.

Outpatient rehab, which is a type of rehab wherein a person continues to live at home while receiving treatment, can have an average cost of approximately £1,000 a week.

An inpatient rehab programme, which is when a person will stay in a rehab clinic for a few weeks, can cost £8,000 to £30,000 a month, depending on the specific centre.

There are also luxury rehab services in the UK, which can cost £3,000 a week or sometimes even more. NHS rehab is generally free, but the scope of treatment is limited, and there is no residential rehab through the NHS.

What’s Included in the Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

The cost of treatment at a private rehab centre can be quite high. But it does include various things. Detox is generally included in drug and alcohol rehab costs, especially when detox is part of a larger treatment programme.

Furthermore, holistic therapies are also included in the cost. These therapies, which can include alternative activities such as equine therapy, can help a person develop vital skills that will assist in addiction recovery.

With residential treatment, the cost of alcohol rehab and drug addiction care also includes room and board. For a luxury facility, the cost will include a private room that may more closely resemble a hotel room than a hospital, chef-prepared meals, and access to amenities such as a gym or a pool. 

For some residential treatment programmes, the overall cost will include security for a person’s entire stay in rehab, as inpatient rehabs are staffed 24/7.

In some cases, there are facilities that will include some measure of aftercare as part of their treatment. Not every centre offers aftercare services, however.

Factors that Can Affect the Cost of Rehab Treatment

There are a number of things that can affect the cost of addiction treatment. Some of these factors include:

Scope of Treatment

The scope of treatment that a person needs will be one of the most important variables that can affect how much care costs. Some people will only need outpatient treatment, but others will need inpatient care. Many people, however, will need a combination of both, which will drive up the cost of care.

Furthermore, the length of a person’s treatment also affects the total cost. Many treatment programmes calculate their costs by day or by week, which means that they’ll charge more the longer a person is in rehab.

Location

The location of the rehab centre will also determine the cost of their care. A rehab centre in an area such as London will cost more to operate than a rehab centre in the Spanish countryside, as London is an expensive place to operate in. Utilities such as water and electricity will cost more, as will property taxes. 

Staff

Another factor that can affect the cost of rehab is the staff. A private rehab facility has to offer attractive compensation packages to its staff, as they are often specialists in their field and are highly sought after. Attractive compensation allows a centre to retain the services of these specialists.

Amenities

The amenities that a rehab offers will also be factored into the cost. Facilities with high-end amenities such as gyms, spas, and cinemas will charge more for their services so they can continue to maintain these amenities.

What To Do If You Can’t Pay for Rehab

How much does rehab cost in the UK? Quite a lot, and not everyone can afford to go to rehab. Even if they have well-paying jobs or come from privilege, some forms of addiction, such as gambling disorders, can come with heavy financial burdens. So, there will be plenty who won’t be able to afford the prices that rehabs charge.

However, there are a few things that a person can do to get the recovery process started. The primary choice among these alternatives is seeking rehabilitation overseas. Rehab prices in countries like Spain can be significantly lower than the cost of private rehab treatment in the United Kingdom, even after paying for the cost of airfare.

There are also charity-funded rehabs across the UK. However, these facilities can have very long waiting lists, and their ability to address a person’s issues may be limited.

Private health insurance can sometimes cover part of the cost of addiction and mental health treatment, but the scope of coverage can vary from one plan to another.

Is Private Rehab Worth the Cost?

You may wonder if a private rehab is worth the cost. In some cases, it can be prohibitively expensive, and a person may need to go to treatment multiple times before they’re finally able to recover because relapse is prevalent in addiction. But while the prices of rehab can vary, it’s certainly worth it.

So, how much does rehab cost in the UK, and is it worth it? Private rehabs in the UK provide someone with a chance of recovery. Drug or alcohol abuse can have serious consequences, and attending rehab can help a person delay or even avert these consequences. It can give someone a shot at bettering their lives and improve their odds of recovery.