The Real Cost of Addiction vs. the Cost of Treatment

When people think about getting help for addiction, one of the first concerns is almost always money.
“How much does rehab cost?”
“Can I afford it?”
“What if I just try to quit on my own instead?”

But here’s the question no one asks enough:
What’s the real cost of not getting help?

In this article, we’re going to break down the cost of addiction vs. the cost of treatment—and why investing in your recovery now can save you far more in the long run.

At Excellence Recovery, we work with clients and families every day who feel overwhelmed by the financial side of recovery. But time and time again, we see one truth rise above all others:
Getting clean is always more affordable than staying stuck.

The Hidden Costs of Addiction

Addiction drains more than your bank account. It costs you peace of mind, trust, safety, and even years of your life. But let’s look at the numbers too—because they’re brutal.

1. Daily Drug and Alcohol Use

Let’s say someone is spending:

• $20/day on pills
• $40/day on heroin
• $10/day on alcohol

That’s $300 to $1,200+ a month—and that’s not even high-end use. Over a year, addiction can cost $3,600 to $15,000+ just on substances alone.

And that’s if you’re lucky.

2. Medical Bills and ER Visits

Substance use leads to:

• Overdoses
• Liver and heart issues
• Infections
• Mental health breakdowns

One ER visit can run over $3,000. Add follow-ups, prescriptions, and hospitalizations, and you’re easily looking at $10,000+ annually in unplanned medical expenses.

3. Lost Jobs and Missed Opportunities

Many people with substance use disorders struggle with:

• Job loss
• Poor performance
• Missed interviews
• Inability to maintain stable income

Even losing a $15/hour job costs over $30,000/year in income. The long-term impact on your career? Way more.

4. Legal Issues and Fines

DUIs, possession charges, probation, or court-mandated programs?
Welcome to another $5,000–$15,000+ gone.

5. Broken Relationships and Emotional Costs

This one’s harder to quantify—but maybe the most expensive of all.
Lost custody. Divorce. Family fallout.
You can’t put a number on it—but it costs everything.

What Does Treatment Actually Cost?

Let’s flip the script. Instead of spending months or years in chaos, what happens when you choose recovery?

Average Costs of Treatment (with Private Insurance)

At a facility like Excellence Recovery, the majority of costs are often covered by private insurance. Clients are sometimes shocked to learn that their out-of-pocket cost is far lower than they expected.

Depending on coverage and length of stay, your investment could range from:

• $0 to $5,000 out-of-pocket for full inpatient care
• Covered detox, medication, therapy, and more
• Flexible payment plans available if needed

Compare that to $1,000+ a month in drug use, $10K+ in medical bills, and the cost of time lost—and treatment becomes the clear winner.

What Are You Really Paying For?

When you pay for treatment, you’re not just paying for a bed and some therapy sessions. You’re investing in:

• A medically supervised detox that keeps you safe
• Professional therapy that gets to the root of the problem
• Healthy meals and stable housing
• Support that prevents relapse
• A clear path back to your career, family, and future

Recovery is the only investment that pays you back in every area of life.

Why Treatment at Excellence Recovery Is Worth It

At Excellence Recovery, we make it our mission to deliver top-tier addiction care without breaking your finances.

Here’s what we offer:

• Private insurance accepted
• Help with insurance verification
• Luxury setting with small groups and 24/7 care
• Yoga, gym outings, hair/nail care, and more
• Aftercare support to keep you on track after discharge

We’ll work with your coverage, walk you through your benefits, and fight to keep costs manageable—because we want to see you recover, not stress about bills.

Let’s Look at the Bigger Picture

Category	Active Addiction Cost	Treatment Cost (Est.)
Substance Use	$3,600–$15,000+/year	Included in care
Medical Expenses	$10,000+/year	Included in care
Legal Costs	$5,000–$15,000+	None (with sobriety)
Lost Income	$30,000+/year	Return to work sooner
Broken Relationships	Priceless	Start rebuilding now

In short: treatment is not expensive—addiction is.

Ready to Break the Cycle?

You don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to keep spending your future one day at a time.

Call Excellence Recovery today and let’s talk about your options. Whether you’re worried about money, insurance, or next steps—we’re here to help.

A single phone call could be the smartest investment you’ll ever make.