In the UK, private rehab generally costs between £3,000 and £6,000 per week, with a typical 28-day residential programme ranging from £8,000 to £18,000 depending on the level of medical care, accommodation standard and location. Outpatient treatment is usually less expensive, and medically supervised detox is often priced separately if not included within a residential package. Free addiction treatment is available through the NHS, although availability, setting and intensity of support can differ from private care.
Private Rehab Cost UK: How Much Does Addiction Rehab Cost?
How much does drug rehab cost in the UK? For standard private residential treatment, costs typically range from £3,000 to £6,000 per week, with a 28-day programme usually falling between £8,000 and £18,000 depending on clinical complexity, staffing ratios and location. Higher-end or luxury facilities may exceed £6,000 per week where enhanced privacy, accommodation and additional therapies are included.
Outpatient treatment is generally more affordable, averaging between £600 and £1,200 per week depending on session frequency and clinical input. Alcohol and drug rehab costs are broadly comparable, as pricing is usually determined by level of medical supervision and therapeutic intensity rather than the specific substance involved.
Overall costs vary based on length of stay, need for medically supervised detox, room type and regional operating expenses. Some providers offer staged payment options, but exact fees are normally confirmed following a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.
| Treatment Type | Typical Cost | What’s Included | Most Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rehab (28 Days) | £8,000–£18,000 total £3,000–£6,000 per week | Accommodation, 24-hour support, medically supervised detox (if required), structured therapy programme, meals | Moderate to severe addiction or complex needs |
| Medical Detox (Standalone) | £500–£1,000 per day | Medical monitoring, withdrawal management medication, short-term stabilisation | Individuals requiring safe withdrawal before therapy |
| Outpatient Rehab | £600–£1,200 per week | Scheduled therapy sessions, relapse prevention planning, clinical reviews | Mild to moderate addiction with stable home environment |
| Luxury Residential Rehab | £6,000+ per week | Residential treatment plus enhanced privacy, private rooms and additional therapies | Individuals seeking higher privacy or enhanced facilities |
Exact pricing is confirmed following clinical assessment.
Costs vary depending on length of stay, medical complexity and location.
NHS-funded treatment may be available depending on local authority criteria
Types of Rehab
The cost of rehab is closely linked to the type of treatment setting and the level of clinical support required. In the UK, most private options fall into three broad categories: residential inpatient treatment, structured outpatient programmes and higher-cost luxury residential facilities.
Residential inpatient rehab involves living at the clinic for the duration of treatment, most commonly 28 days or longer. This setting provides 24-hour supervision, medically managed detox where required and a structured daily therapy schedule. It is generally recommended for individuals with moderate to severe dependence, complex withdrawal risk or co-occurring mental health needs. Because accommodation, staffing and medical oversight are included, residential care is typically the highest standard non-luxury cost bracket.
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions during the week. Clinical input varies depending on intensity, ranging from a few hours of therapy to structured day programmes. This option is usually more suitable for mild to moderate addiction where home support is stable and detox is not high risk. As there are no accommodation or 24-hour staffing costs, outpatient treatment is generally less expensive than residential care.
Luxury residential rehab follows the same clinical framework as standard inpatient treatment but includes enhanced accommodation, greater privacy and additional non-core therapies. Higher staffing ratios and premium facilities increase operating costs, which is reflected in the price.
Choosing between these options depends on clinical assessment, risk level and personal circumstances. The appropriate setting is determined by safety, medical need and therapeutic intensity rather than comfort alone.
Cost of Drug Detox Programme
For many people entering treatment, detox is the first clinical stage of rehab. Detox focuses on safely managing withdrawal as the body adjusts to stopping drugs or alcohol. It is not simply a process of “cleansing”, but a medically supervised period of stabilisation designed to reduce health risks and prepare someone for ongoing therapy.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to medically serious, depending on the substance used, duration of dependence and any underlying physical or mental health conditions. For alcohol, opioids and certain prescription medications, medically supervised detox is often recommended to monitor vital signs, manage complications and reduce the risk of seizures or severe dehydration.
Detox usually lasts between 7 and 10 days, although this can vary based on clinical need. During this time, qualified medical staff may prescribe appropriate medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and support safety. Psychological support is also introduced early to help individuals transition into structured treatment.
Where detox is required within a residential programme, it is normally included in the overall cost of care. If delivered as a standalone service, it is typically charged on a daily basis, with exact pricing confirmed following medical assessment.
Can you get Free Rehab in the UK?
Free addiction treatment is available in the UK through NHS and local authority services. Access is typically arranged via a GP referral or direct contact with local drug and alcohol teams. Support can include community detox, structured outpatient programmes, counselling and onward referral to residential treatment in more complex cases.
Availability and structure vary by region, as funding is managed at local authority level. In many areas, demand is high and assessment processes can take time. Residential placements funded by the NHS are usually reserved for individuals with significant clinical risk or complex needs, and approval may require a formal assessment and care plan.
NHS services are primarily community-based rather than residential, meaning individuals often continue living at home while attending scheduled appointments. The intensity of one-to-one therapy and the speed of admission can differ from private residential settings, but services are delivered by qualified professionals and follow national clinical guidelines.
In addition to statutory services, free peer-support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other mutual aid programmes operate across the UK and can provide ongoing community support alongside formal treatment.
Here are our live Google Reviews!
PCP - Get help with your addiction to alcohol drugs gaming gambling codependency
Why is Rehab so Expensive?
Private residential rehab operates as a 24-hour clinical service rather than a standard outpatient programme. Costs reflect the infrastructure required to deliver continuous medical supervision, therapeutic care and accommodation within one setting.
Residential treatment typically includes:
24-hour clinical staffing, including nurses and support workers
Medical oversight for detox and risk management
Scheduled individual and group therapy delivered by qualified clinicians
Accommodation, meals and daily living support
Prescribed medication where clinically indicated
Regulatory compliance, inspection standards and insurance
Property, utilities and facility maintenance
Structured aftercare planning
Because care is delivered around the clock within a regulated healthcare environment, operational costs are significantly higher than community-based services. Immediate admission following assessment can also increase staffing and resource requirements, particularly where detox or complex clinical needs are involved.
Will Private Health Insurance cover the cost for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centres?
Private health insurance can cover addiction treatment in some cases, but eligibility depends on the terms of the individual policy. Many insurers will only provide cover if the policy was active before the condition developed, and pre-existing substance misuse may be excluded.
Most providers require formal authorisation before admission, which can involve a clinical assessment and confirmation that residential treatment is medically necessary. Cover limits may apply, including caps on length of stay, daily rates or specific therapies. Some policies will fund detox and short-term stabilisation but not extended residential programmes.
Taking out a new policy after an addiction has already developed is unlikely to result in immediate cover, as insurers typically assess medical history before approving claims. Anyone considering using insurance to fund rehab should check policy wording carefully and confirm what level of treatment is included before admission.
The Takeaways
Standard private residential rehab in the UK typically ranges from £3,000 to £6,000 per week, with a 28-day programme commonly costing between £8,000 and £18,000 depending on clinical needs and location.
Free addiction treatment is available through NHS and local authority services, though access and treatment settings vary by region and level of need.
Private rehab offers residential care with immediate admission following assessment, alongside structured therapy and medical support within one setting.
Deciding between NHS and private treatment usually depends on clinical urgency, risk level and personal circumstances. If you are considering private care, most providers will carry out a confidential assessment to determine the appropriate level of support and provide a clear breakdown of costs before admission.
How much does 28-day rehab cost in the UK?
A standard 28-day private residential rehab programme in the UK typically costs between £8,000 and £18,000. The exact price depends on clinical complexity, need for detox, staffing levels and location. A formal assessment is usually required to confirm the appropriate level of care and provide an accurate quotation.
Is alcohol rehab cheaper than drug rehab?
In most cases, alcohol and drug rehab cost similar amounts. Pricing is generally based on the level of medical supervision and therapeutic intensity required rather than the specific substance involved. Severe alcohol dependence requiring medical detox may increase short-term costs due to monitoring and medication.
Can I pay for rehab monthly?
Some private providers offer staged payment plans or allow payment in instalments, depending on the length of stay. Others may require full payment before admission. Terms vary by provider, and payment options are usually discussed during the admissions assessment process.
Can the NHS send me to private rehab?
In certain cases, NHS or local authority services may fund a placement at a private residential clinic. This typically requires a formal assessment and is usually reserved for individuals with complex or high-risk clinical needs. Availability depends on local funding policies.
How long do people stay in rehab?
Residential rehab programmes commonly last 28 days, although some individuals may require 6 to 12 weeks depending on risk level, relapse history and co-occurring mental health conditions. The recommended length of stay is determined following clinical assessment.
Is private rehab worth the cost?
The value of private rehab depends on clinical urgency, treatment needs and personal circumstances. Residential treatment provides structured, intensive support with immediate admission following assessment. For individuals requiring medical detox or 24-hour supervision, this level of care may be clinically appropriate.
