Substance Guide

Opioids (Prescription Painkillers) Addiction Treatment & Costs

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

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Overview

Prescription opioid addiction affects millions of Americans and is a primary driver of the opioid crisis. Medications like oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and fentanyl patches are prescribed for pain but carry significant addiction potential. Many people who develop opioid use disorder started with a legitimate prescription. The transition from prescribed use to misuse to addiction can happen gradually.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid use disorder can develop even when medications are used as prescribed. Watch for these warning signs:

Taking more medication than prescribed
Doctor shopping or obtaining from multiple sources
Crushing, snorting, or injecting pills
Running out of prescriptions early
Mood swings and irritability
Social withdrawal
Continued use despite negative consequences
Neglecting work and relationships

Withdrawal Risks

Opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable but typically not life-threatening. Symptoms include muscle pain, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Medical detox with tapering or MAT medications is strongly recommended to manage symptoms and prevent relapse.

Treatment Approaches

Evidence-based opioid treatment combines medication with behavioral therapies for the best outcomes:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone
Gradual medically supervised taper
Inpatient rehabilitation
Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Pain management alternatives for chronic pain patients
Support groups and peer recovery

Treatment Details at a Glance

Detox Duration

Acute withdrawal: 5–10 days. Post-acute symptoms may persist for weeks to months

Relapse Rate

40–60% relapse rate; long-term MAT produces best outcomes

Cost of Treatment

Detox: $1,000–$4,000. Inpatient rehab: $6,000–$30,000 for 30 days. MAT: $200–$600/month. Outpatient: $1,000–$10,000 for 3 months.

Cost Breakdown

Detox: $1,000–$4,000. Inpatient rehab: $6,000–$30,000 for 30 days. MAT: $200–$600/month. Outpatient: $1,000–$10,000 for 3 months.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often the most cost-effective long-term option. Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover MAT medications and counseling. Check with your insurer or a treatment center about financial assistance.

Ready to Get Help?

The SAMHSA National Helpline provides free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing prescription opioid addiction.

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 opioid addiction treatment: