Drug addiction is a worrying issue in the UK, especially due to the rising rate of substance use disorders such as alcoholism and opioid abuse, and the even more troubling post-pandemic surge in drug and alcohol addiction-related deaths. One reason behind this trend is the financial barrier the cost of an alcohol detox places on those who wish to overcome an alcohol use disorder.
At PCP we believe that alcohol detoxification is the first step towards recovery and understanding the broader category of addiction treatment costs, including the differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment, rehab options, and the value of rehab in overcoming addiction, makes it easier for people to find the level of care they can afford. Fortunately, at PCP we can offer you a detailed insight into the cost of an alcohol detox in the UK.
How Much Does Alcohol Detox Cost in the UK?
Alcohol detoxification is the first step in the recovery process from an alcohol use disorder, often taking place within the broader context of alcohol rehab. It involves ridding your body of alcohol and abstaining from further drinking as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include inpatient, outpatient, or online alcohol rehab options. A typical, low-cost alcohol detox program in the UK lasts for 1-2 weeks and may cost about £1500-2000 per week. Expensive private treatment facilities can cost up to £10,000 or more per week, highlighting the significant range in alcohol rehab cost depending on the type of treatment and facility chosen.
Unfortunately, the process of detoxing is usually associated with several uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when the body attempts to adjust to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Most of these symptoms are mild and mainly discomforting, but they can also be more serious and even potentially life-threatening. This is why it is advisable to carry out a rehab treatment or a monitored alcohol detox program under the supervision of professional healthcare providers.
They provide you with the necessary medication, counselling, and support to get through the process of alcohol detox. This treatment programme reduces the risk of relapse and acts as a bridge to various aftercare services such as group therapy, psychotherapy, and rehab.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an Alcohol Detox in the UK
The cost of an alcohol detoxification program varies within the UK based on several factors.
● Location. Detox centres which are situated close to major city centres and commercial zones like London tend to be more expensive than those in rural areas or residential zones due to considerations associated with the cost of living.
● Facilities. The facilities offered by the detox rehab centre will also determine the final cost. Cheaper detox facilities typically offer basic services like medications, counselling and monitoring, but more advanced or luxurious centres may offer additional facilities for recreation, recovery and therapeutic interventions. Private rehab treatment, offering a range of therapy options and shorter waiting times, often comes at a higher cost but can be more effective for many individuals.
● Treatment model. Detox and rehabilitation centres offer a variety of treatment models which differ in cost. For example, inpatient services are usually more expensive than outpatient rehab services because they involve additional costs in housing, feeding and maintenance. Outpatient treatment, allowing patients to return home after therapy sessions, offers a more affordable option with good quality care at a lower rate. Also, treatment models such as online counselling and online rehab affect the final cost of alcohol detox, with some online counselling programs charging as much as £60 per session.
● Duration. The duration of stay is one of the major determinants of the cost of an alcohol detox program. These programs are usually charged daily, so an extended stay will mean higher costs.
● Type of addiction. The overall cost of a detox program is also affected by the type of substance abused. For example, an alcohol detoxification program is usually more expensive than a cocaine detox program; the latter is less likely to involve serious withdrawal symptoms and therefore may not require the same level of care in terms of close observation, medications and counselling.
● Aftercare costs. While not strictly a part of the initial detox costs, aftercare services like therapy and rehab are important parts of the recovery journey. Without proper follow-up and care the risk of relapse following an alcohol detox is quite high, so it is important to factor in these costs early on.
What Are You Paying For During Detox?
● Food provided (with inpatient rehab/ residential rehab facility)
● Rental fees
● Insurance
● The cost of governmental compliance
● Utility costs
● The cost of therapists, medical professionals, addiction specialists and trained professionals
● Medication fees
● Property maintenance
Types of Inpatient Rehab Detox Services
Broadly speaking, there are two basic types of alcohol detox programs; inpatient treatment and outpatient services.
● Inpatient services. During an inpatient alcohol detox program, the individual will be admitted to a specialized medical facility where they will be offered 24-hour monitored care, along with medication and therapy aimed at supporting them through the detox process and reducing the risk of relapse. These programs are crucial for drug addiction treatment, catering not only to alcohol dependency but also to various drug addictions. They provide an opportunity to understand the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping mechanisms over a longer stay, considering both personal and financial viability. As mentioned earlier, these services are typically more expensive than outpatient programs and are reserved for complicated cases or individuals with more severe withdrawal symptoms.
● Outpatient services. Outpatient services are carried out from home but involve regular appointments, whether online or in person. These services are cheaper than inpatient programs and best suited for individuals with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. However, they also usually offer a more limited range of services than inpatient programs as well. Importantly, outpatient services include aftercare as a critical component of drug treatment, emphasizing its role in preventing relapse and providing ongoing support after the individual leaves the rehab facility.
Funding a Private Rehab Treatment for Alcohol Detox
When it comes to funding an alcohol detox program there are several options available to UK citizens.
● Self-funding. You may choose to fund the entire program out of pocket and this is mostly seen with private detox facilities. Such an option may be out of the reach of many individuals especially when considering the full cost of rehab, inpatient programs and more advanced detox services.
● Government funding. The UK government funds several alcohol detox programs through services like the NHS. The services are funded by taxpayers and are mostly free. However, they are also more limited than private rehab facilities in terms of the range of services they offer and due to the high demand for these services there might be a long queue for available slots.
● Private health insurance. Private health insurance is an option for those who would prefer private detox programs over government-funded services but cannot pay for these programs out of pocket. Some popular health insurers in the UK include BUPA, AXA, Zurich, Prudential, Standard Life, Aviva and Cigna.
What To Do If You Can't Afford Treatment?
Unfortunately, many people in the UK may be unable to afford private alcohol detox facilities. However, there are several alternatives available to them.
● NHS rehab services. The NHS does provide taxpayer-funded alcohol detox services. However, they do not offer inpatient care and although their services are free, they are not as holistic as private detox facilities. It is also important to note that the NHS rehab programme in the UK is also chronically underfunded and overburdened, meaning that long waiting lists may exist for those wishing to access these services. You can discuss with your local GP concerning your wishes or look for more information on the official NHS website.
● Support groups. Another option for individuals who cannot afford private detox facilities is support groups like 12-step programs (eg Alcoholics Anonymous). These programs work best as adjuncts to a treatment plan and do not offer the specialized services of a detox facility. However, if you cannot afford an alcohol detox facility and are experiencing only mild withdrawal symptoms these groups may provide you with the support to cope with the process.
● Local drug and alcohol services. Local authorities in the UK also directly provide several drug and alcohol rehabilitation assistance programs. However, there is a significant overlap in the services offered by the local authorities commissioners and clinical commissioning group (CCG), and the NHS. For more information on the available local drug rehab alcohol detox services, you can reach out to your local city council.
● Charity and fund-supported rehab. Several charities in the UK also provide rehabilitation services, especially for those who would otherwise be unable to afford these services themselves. Some prominent alcohol and drug-based charities in the UK include:
● The Addiction Recovery Foundation Ltd
● Diversityincare Ltd
● Alcohol Concern
● CAN – Drugs, Alcohol, and Homelessness
● Hillingdon Action Group for Addiction Management (HAGAM)
● Self-help. Self-help is also an option for people who cannot afford private detox facilities and cannot get treatment through the NHS. However, we certainly do not advise this due to the potential dangers associated with an alcohol detox. Also, alcohol detox facilities offer services which make the detox process shorter, smoother and easier to transition to long-term care facilities.
Seek Help at PCP
The cost of alcohol detox and rehabilitation may be a barrier to many when it comes to receiving treatment. However, the long-term personal and societal costs of alcohol addiction or significantly more both in terms of finances, mental health, and personal relationships.
At PCP we believe that joining an alcohol detoxification program is the first step towards recovery. Therefore, the cost of these programs should not be a barrier to those seeking help. Even if you cannot afford private detox facilities, there are several cheaper and even cost-free options available to you such as government-funded facilities, charities and health insurance.
