How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Medical Detox Cost Without Insurance in Tennessee?

What are the Significant Differences between Medical and Residential Detoxification?

Medical detoxification and residential detoxification are two approaches that are used to manage the initial phase of withdrawal from addictive substances. Each program has different characteristics and benefits that are tailored to meet your unique needs. Medical detoxification typically happens within a clinical setting where you receive 24/7 medical supervision. It’s designed for people who might face severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, depending on the addictive substance.

The short-term approach provides access to health care professionals who can administer medications. Residential detoxification occurs in a more therapeutic environment where you often stay for a longer period of time. The environment is supportive and less clinical, which promotes a sense of community and belonging. You often have access to counseling and therapy that can help you cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of detoxification. Residential programs also offer a seamless transition into addiction treatment.

What is an Inpatient Detoxification Program in Tennessee?

Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Tennessee defines medically managed inpatient detox as a program available to adults 18 years and older who are experiencing substance intoxication as well as medical complications. The program is delivered by physician and nursing professionals and provides patients with a 24-hour, medically directed program including observation, evaluation, monitoring, and withdrawal management within an acute care setting.

Individuals with withdrawal signs and detox symptoms that require primary care services on a 24-hour basis are eligible, as well as those who have medical complications that require more intensive care during detoxification. An individual with a primary diagnosis of drug and alcohol abuse or with a co-occurring psychiatric disorder is also eligible.

Substance Abuse and Detox Statistics in the Great State of Tennessee

A 2021 study estimated that the treatment of substance use disorders in a hospital had an annual cost of $13.2 billion, which did not include the cost of disease, premature death, violence, incarceration, and more. Data shows that patients who have to wait for treatment are less likely to receive it and a 2022 study identified a treatment gap, calling for expanded addiction treatment services in hospitals to meet the current need for recovery.

Successfully transitioning from detoxification to treatment is important to outcomes. A national study showed no significant change in the rate of inpatient detoxification hospitalizations, but did find only 13% who went through detoxification also received rehabilitation and 14% discharged themselves against medical advice. After successful medical detoxification, it’s suggested that substance use disorders should be seen as a chronic disorder, which allows for reconsidering the length of time services provided.

What is the Cost of Medical Detox from Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking alcohol that typically leads to damage to your physical health, interpersonal relationships, and employment opportunities. Alcohol abuse, or alcoholism, can range from binge drinking to complete dependence on alcohol. Medical detox is a critical first step to overcome addiction. It typically involves a supervised withdrawal process in a medical setting where professionals manage the acute and potentially dangerous physical symptoms using medication and support.

The cost of medical detox from alcohol abuse depends on factors such as the facilities location, the length of the program and the level of medical care required. For example, a detox facility located in a rural area is typically less expensive than one located in a large urban setting such as New York or Los Angeles. On average, the cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000. Some detox programs are covered by health insurance, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket expenses. The specific cost is based on whether you need 24/7 medical supervision and medication for safe withdrawal.

What is the Cost of Medical Detox from Drug Abuse?

Drug addiction involves a chronic or habitual use of drugs for non-medical purposes. This can include prescription medications or illegal recreational drugs. Medical detox is a process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms that happen when you stop taking addictive drugs. The process is crucial for substances that can cause severe or potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. It is an essential first step before beginning your journey to recovery.

The average out-of-pocket cost for substance detox programs is influenced by a variety of factors including the type of drug, the length of time you’ve been addicted, the intensity of care that’s needed, and the setting where medical detox occurs. Costs range from $1,000 to $10,000. While insurance does cover some of these expenses, your coverage level depends on your insurance benefits and limits. We encourage you to call Freeman Recovery Center at (615) 645-3677 to speak with one of our admission counselors who can verify your insurance coverage, estimate you’re out of pocket cost, and discuss financial assistance.

How Much Do Residential Medical Detoxification Treatment Programs Cost?

Medical detoxification is the crucial first step in addiction treatment. Residential medical detoxification occurs in a home-like setting in which you have access to both medical supervisions to manage withdrawal symptoms, and counseling and therapy to help you overcome the emotional and psychological challenges associated with withdrawal. In a residential setting, you have a seamless transition to rehabilitation and treatment that begins during medical detoxification.

The cost of residential programs varies significantly based on factors like location, facility amenities, length of stay, and the specific medical services required. For example, a residential treatment center located in a rural area is far less expensive than those located in highly populated urban areas like Chicago or Atlanta. On average, the price can range from $2,000 to $20,000 for a standard seven to 10 day detoxification program. This is an average rate, so some facilities may charge more, and others may charge less. Your costs depend on insurance coverage and the intensity of your customized treatment program.

How Much Do Outpatient Medical Detoxification Treatment Programs Cost in Tennessee?

When your detoxification program does not require 24/7 supervision and the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms is low, you may qualify for an outpatient medical detox program. This allows you to attend scheduled sessions at a detox facility or clinic while still living at home. The program is appropriate for those with a less severe addiction, stable home environment, and strong support system. Outpatient detox still provides medical supervision and medication management for withdrawal symptoms, but with flexible alternatives.

The cost of outpatient medical detox in a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program (IOPs) depends on the specific services you require, the duration of your program, the type of substance you are addicted to, and the location of the program. An outpatient medical detoxification program can cost from $1,000 to $3,000. Some programs charge per session while others offer a package for the entire program. Insurance coverage varies among health insurance providers and plans. For an estimate of your outpatient medical detoxification program in Tennessee, we encourage you to call Freeman Drug and Alcohol Addiction Center at (615) 645-3677.

How Much Will the Medications Used in Medical Detox Programs Cost Me?

The cost of the medications used in a medical detox program is based on the medications that are used and the amount of medication that’s required. For example, an addiction to opioids may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or another opioid agonist such as Suboxone or Subutex. Withdrawal symptoms from certain drugs can increase your risk of seizures, so you may be prescribed anticonvulsant medications.

The same is true for withdrawal that may increase your risk of high blood pressure. In this case, you may be prescribed an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist. This is a special class of high blood pressure medication that also decreases anxiety. Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists have been used for decades in the treatment of panic disorder, high blood pressure, and for the symptoms of opioid, benzodiazepine, and alcohol withdrawal. Finally, withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can also increase the risk of depression, for which you may be prescribed antidepressant medications. Each of these prescription medications help to support your medical detoxification by reducing some withdrawal symptoms and easing the transition into rehabilitation.

Stats on Drug and Alcohol Medical Detox Programs in Middle Tennessee

• Successful transition from detoxification to treatment is associated with improved outcomes. However, some barriers may impede progress, so patients do not initiate treatment.

• A study of national trends and characteristics of inpatient detoxification for drug use disorders found no significant change in the rate of inpatient detoxification hospitalizations, but only 13% received rehabilitation after detoxification during inpatient care and 14% discharged against medical advice.

• Research in 2017 showed that undergoing medically supervised detoxification should be combined with long acting medically assisted treatment to help patients slowly wean off opioid drugs. This increased the rate of success and lowered the cost of treatment.

• After successful medical detoxification, data suggests that substance use disorders should be seen as a chronic disorder, which allows for reconsidering the length of service provided.

• Annually, hospital charges come to $13.2 billion for the treatment of substance use disorders. This doesn’t account for the remaining costs of disease, premature death, violence, incarceration, probation, lost productivity, and more.

• People who have to wait for treatment are less likely to attend to complete a treatment program.

• A 2022 study identified a treatment gap, calling for expanded hospital-based addiction treatment to meet the current need for addiction recovery support.