Substance Guide

Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Costs

Comprehensive information on alcohol use disorder, treatment options, withdrawal risks, and what you can expect to pay for care.

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Overview

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common and dangerous forms of addiction, affecting approximately 14.5 million Americans. Because alcohol is legal and socially accepted, many people don't recognize when social drinking has crossed into dependence. Chronic alcohol abuse damages the liver, brain, heart, and immune system, and alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical supervision.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Recognizing the signs of alcohol use disorder is the first step toward getting help. Common signs include:

Drinking more or longer than intended
Failed attempts to cut down or stop
Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
Strong cravings for alcohol
Drinking interfering with work, school, or family
Continued drinking despite problems it causes
Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

Withdrawal Risks

Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous and potentially fatal. Symptoms range from anxiety, tremors, and insomnia to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Medical detox is strongly recommended — never attempt to quit heavy drinking cold turkey without medical guidance.

Treatment Approaches

Effective alcohol addiction treatment typically combines multiple approaches tailored to the individual:

Medical detox (3-7 days) with benzodiazepine taper
Inpatient rehabilitation (28-90 days)
Outpatient programs and IOP
Medication-assisted treatment: naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
12-step programs (AA) and SMART Recovery
Family therapy and Al-Anon support

Treatment Details at a Glance

Detox Duration

3–7 days for acute withdrawal; post-acute symptoms may last weeks to months

Relapse Rate

40–60% relapse rate, similar to other chronic conditions like diabetes

Cost of Treatment

Detox: $1,000–$5,000. Inpatient rehab: $6,000–$30,000 for 30 days. Outpatient: $1,000–$10,000 for 3 months. Medications: $50–$300/month.

Cost Breakdown

Detox: $1,000–$5,000. Inpatient rehab: $6,000–$30,000 for 30 days. Outpatient: $1,000–$10,000 for 3 months. Medications: $50–$300/month.

Costs vary significantly based on location, facility type, length of stay, and whether insurance covers any portion. Many facilities offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, and financing options.

Ready to Get Help?

The SAMHSA National Helpline provides free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing alcohol use disorder.

Call 1-800-662-4357

Free & Confidential — 24/7/365 — English & Español

Explore Treatment Types

Learn more about the different levels of care available for alcohol addiction treatment: