The road to addiction recovery is often tricky and complicated.
After all, there are many different things to consider, such as treatment options and cost.
We see it all the time in individuals and families at our Toronto treatment centre – the catalogue of (understandable) questions and concerns people have about substance use and other forms of addiction.
Common questions individuals tend to ask before entering drug or alcohol rehab include:
What is addiction treatment, and what does it involve?
Do I even have an addiction?
What is addiction?
Having your questions answered by someone experienced in treating addiction and other emotional challenges can be profoundly reassuring.
That’s why our Centres for Health and Healing team is always on hand to listen compassionately and remove the question marks from the equation.
After all, the decision to enter addiction rehab can be an unnerving one.
Therefore, going into the process with your questions answered can be extremely helpful, giving you the confidence in your decision to get better and begin a life you could have only imagined at the beginning.
A life free from the grip of substance addiction.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, you may also grapple with another, albeit significantly important, question: How much does drug and alcohol rehab cost in Toronto?
Because we understand the pain points many of our clients experience as they explore which treatment route to take, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide featuring all aspects of the rehabilitation process, including costs, to simplify this process for you and your loved ones.
In the meantime, if you want to learn more about our addiction and mental health treatment programs, contact our friendly team in Toronto today for further support and assistance.
Let’s dive in!
The different types of rehabilitation treatment
The first factor in the cost of rehab is the difference in treatments.
“Rehab” is a broad term, and because of this, one price can’t be applied to all treatment options.
Different types of drug and alcohol treatment include support groups, behavioural therapies, halfway houses, counselling and residential treatment facilities.
Someone with a substance or behavioural addiction can seek rehab treatment through a free community support group or pay more money to be treated in a luxury, high-end rehab facility.
Bottom line?
Different rehab treatment programs will have different costs.
For instance, luxury inpatient rehabs tend to charge more as they treat a wide range of emotional issues, using integrated treatment programs that blend different methods and approaches to help sustain lasting sobriety and wellness.
These residential rehab centres typically diagnose and treat the following:
- Alcohol addiction
- Substance addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Marijuana addiction
- Video game addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Mood disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
Behavioural addictions require different treatments than substance addictions, which is why an addiction treatment plan should be personalised to the individual’s needs and preferences.
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Toronto
Rehab treatment costs are dependent on several factors, as established previously.
The cost for drug and alcohol rehab treatment in Toronto can vary from no cost (government-funded treatment) to several thousands of dollars for private treatment.
However, depending on the facility and the type of care and support you need, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $20,000 monthly for private treatment.
1. Location
Another critical factor when it comes to the cost of private rehab is location.
For example, various high-end treatment facilities in Toronto charge different prices depending on the services and amenities they offer, including the centre’s location.
The cost of private drug and alcohol rehab in different regions of Toronto
Below is a list of approximate costs for private drug and alcohol rehab in the various regions of Toronto:
- Ottawa. Individuals seeking drug or alcohol treatment in a private facility in Ottawa can expect to pay between $8,000 to $25,000 per month.
- Hamilton. Those receiving private treatment in Hamilton will pay approximately $7,000 to $22,000 per month for alcohol or drug rehab.
- Brampton. The monthly cost of private drug and alcohol rehab in Brampton is approximately $6,500 – $20,000.
- Toronto. Clients seeking drug or alcohol rehab treatment in Toronto can expect to pay anything between $10,000 to $30,000 per month.
- Windsor. Individuals in Windsor will pay anything between $5,500 to $17,000 per month for private alcohol or drug rehab treatment.
As mentioned, rehab facilities with more comprehensive resources will have a higher price tag.
For instance, the average cost for private inpatient treatment in a high-quality, evidence-based treatment centre could be anywhere from $600 to $1200 per day.
In some cases, health insurance can partially cover the cost of treatment.
It’s best to talk to a rehab facility’s representative to get an exact estimate on the cost of treatment at a rehab centre.
As previously advised, always do your research on a facility.
An effective treatment program will provide various options such as behavioural therapy, trauma treatment, detox management, aftercare and support services and all the other resources and amenities mentioned above.
The price difference in Toronto rehab programs
Unsurprisingly, the cost of a private rehab facility will look vastly different from another rehabilitation program, such as a public (government-funded) treatment program.
Typically, there are two types of rehab facilities: those that are government-funded and those that are private.
Although government-funded rehab is typically low-cost or, in some cases, free, the cost for alcohol or drug rehab can vary between different private treatment facilities.
The price difference results from differences in resources and the quality of care provided.
For instance, a rehab facility with private rooms and numerous amenities will likely cost more than a facility that uses shared living quarters and offers fewer amenities for clients.
Another factor that might impact the cost of rehab treatment is the staff ratio at the rehab centre and the amount of education and training each staff member has received.
For example, rehab centres that adopt a trauma-informed approach to addiction recovery are often the most effective and attractive, as most high-end rehab facilities focus on the whole picture of an individual and not just mere symptom management.
High-end rehab centres tend to focus on addressing unresolved trauma and other emotional issues that often lie at the heart of addiction, using therapies such as EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing), trauma treatment, family support programs, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Overall, the quality of resources and dedication to client care is a significant factor in determining the cost of drug or alcohol rehab in Toronto.
2. Amenities
When choosing a rehab facility for drug or alcohol treatment, it’s essential to consider what type of amenities the facility provides, which inevitably plays into the cost.
For example, most luxury rehab centres provide various amenities, including on-site gymnasiums, private rooms in a secluded, scenic retreat with minimal outside distractions, and recreational resources such as private pools, spas, gourmet food, and yoga and meditation classes.
Luxury inpatient rehabs will be more expensive because of the vast amenities available to you.
3. Staff’s educational level and quality of care
As mentioned, a crucial factor in how much you will be expected to pay for rehab treatment is the staff’s level of education and experience and the amount of personal attention given to clients.
An example of a lower-cost facility with lower levels of education and attention is someone with little to no educational or professional background leading a group session and offering no individual, one-on-one time with clients.
On the other hand, a higher-cost rehab centre might offer the following:
- Highly experienced (trauma-informed) staff
- Family therapy
- Individual counselling
- Specialised treatment for opioid addiction
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Physical and nutritional programs
- PTSD treatment and trauma therapy
- Aftercare and support programs
Depending on the treatment facility, a wide range of care and support can be provided. However, the cost of the rehab program reflects the level of care you receive.
Does rehab cost money in Canada?
Yes. Attending a rehab treatment program in Toronto or anywhere else in Canada costs money.
Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of government funding and resources available for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Canada.
Moreover, the country has a limited number of publicly funded rehab facilities.
Because of this, waitlists for drug and alcohol treatment can be extremely lengthy.
Additionally, many publicly funded facilities don’t have the type of comprehensive treatment and amenities that higher-end rehab centres do, meaning that many people who receive public-funded treatment do not receive the level of care and support they need to sustain lasting sobriety and wellness.
The cost of the best rehab treatment
Because drug and alcohol addiction needs to be treated urgently, people can’t afford to waste time on a lengthy waitlist.
Therefore, many end up choosing private rehab facilities to get the urgent care and treatment they need to begin the process of addiction recovery.
When looking for a rehab, you want to look for the best addiction treatment centres in Toronto.
However, as you can imagine, because the best rehabs have access to the highest-quality resources and treatment programs, there is often a higher cost associated with these facilities.
When exploring the cost of a high-quality rehab facility, these are the factors you should look out for:
- Type of treatment— treatment programs that offer a holistic approach to addiction recovery are the most effective and tend to produce the best results for clients. For example, these programs combine behavioural therapies, trauma treatment, medical detox, and aftercare and support programs to give clients a better chance at lasting recovery.
- Treatment methods – effective, long-lasting addiction therapy usually involves co-occurring disorder treatment that not only treats your addictive symptoms but any underlying factors that may cause or worsen your addiction, including trauma, chronic stress, depression or burnout. Other terms used for co-occurring disorders include “concurrent disorders” and “dual diagnosis.”
- Mental health treatment.
- Treatment, not just detox.
- A high-quality, multidisciplinary team with experience and knowledge in treating addiction and mental health disorders.
- Length of treatment.
- Aftercare and support programs.
Type of treatment
When making the critical decision to recover from drugs and alcohol, it’s equally as important to weigh your treatment options.
Many rehab facilities offer outpatient rehab and inpatient treatment with different costs.
Outpatient therapy
Outpatient rehab is rehabilitation that takes place outside of a centre. Outpatient treatment is usually facilitated at a client’s home.
While this may be more cost-effective, it doesn’t account for distractions and triggers.
The benefit of inpatient care is that you have the luxury of recovering without any temptations, distractions or triggers that may cause or worsen your substance use.
However, outpatient care can be effective if you have completed an inpatient program and receive outpatient aftercare and support.
Inpatient therapy
Inpatient treatment is the other option for drug or alcohol rehabilitation.
During inpatient therapy, you create some distance from any external triggers and influences that could get in the way of a successful, long-lasting recovery.
4. Length of stay
Another factor impacting the cost of inpatient rehab is the length of your stay.
For instance, most rehab centres offer 30, 60-or 90-day programs, each with different costs attached.
Essentially, the cost of the rehab is partially based on the severity of an individual’s addiction, as more severe cases would require longer stays.
How important is the environment of a rehab facility?
When it comes to rehab treatment, it’s a case of you get what you pay for.
Government rehab facilities tend to have more of a hospital feel.
In these facilities, clients may feel as though they are ‘just another number” instead of the whole, unique individuals they are.
Without the proper funding and attention to detail within government facilities, many clients have reported a lack of quality care and compassion.
Conversely, private rehabs and luxury treatment centres tend to be in beautiful, serene environments promoting relaxation, recovery, and a client-centred approach to treatment.
Sadly, some studies show very few rehab centres in Canada put the proper level of care and attention into individual treatment and recovery.
Thus, our team at Centres for Health and Healing is committed to providing individuals in Toronto and other parts of Canada with the proper help and support they need to help them overcome their addiction through personalised treatment programs and a caring, compassionate team to guide them on this transformative journey.
Holistic treatment programs that focus on the individual and not just a set of addictive symptoms are crucial for lasting healing and recovery, and our facility has adopted this integrated approach since its first opening.
Bottom line?
As expensive as private rehabs can be, it is often better to spend the extra money to get quality treatment that lasts long after your treatment program comes to an end.
Research shows holistic treatment programs produce better treatment outcomes for clients and can significantly reduce relapse rates.
So, it’s worth spending the extra dollars in the long run.
Do your research!
Pay attention to false advertising.
Some facilities may advertise that they offer one-on-one treatment.
However, most of these rehabs will only give clients one weekly session with a therapist during their 30-day stay.
On the other hand, some centres may claim that they offer a certain amount of therapy sessions a week. However, these sessions are often led by addiction counsellors rather than registered therapists.
There is a vast difference between the two disciplines and their ability to help you recover from addiction and other emotional challenges effectively.
You must seek help from a registered, licensed mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
Lifelong recovery focuses on more than just the addiction
For practical, lifelong recovery, therapists need to treat the underlying root cause(s) of drug and alcohol addiction.
Therefore, mental health treatment is essential in recovery, as it focuses on an individual’s emotional health and well-being, allowing them to achieve long-lasting sobriety and healing.
This is why finding a rehab that offers individual therapy and consistent counselling throughout your treatment program is so important.
Other crucial factors to consider include:
Aftercare and support
Aftercare and support are essential to lasting recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Recovery is a continuous process, and comprehensive, consistent aftercare helps long after inpatient care is completed.
A good aftercare support program should consist of:
- A realistic self-management plan.
- A medical plan to help support physical health and manage symptoms.
- A relapse prevention plan.
- Continuous therapy or counselling that teaches you healthy coping skills, providing psychoeducation and an understanding of your triggers.
- A stable support network.
Medical detox, in addition to treatment
A program that provides detox with no actual treatment is a big red flag.
For recovery to be possible, proper treatment is essential.
Medically supervised detox is the first step in any addiction treatment program.
Still, it should always be followed up with an appropriate treatment plan that includes psychological therapy and other interventions with a licensed professional.
In summary
When choosing an addiction treatment program, it’s essential to know what goes into the cost of a rehab facility.
Below is a summarised list of things to look out for when choosing an alcohol or drug rehab facility so you can be sure you have invested your money in the right rehab program in Toronto:
- Amenities and resources.
- Quality of staff.
- Length of stay.
- Access to quality mental health treatment.
- Privacy.
- Individual therapy sessions.
- Psychology-based therapy.
- Aftercare and support.
- Type of treatment.
- Environment.
Public vs. private rehab
We’ve established that there are very few public rehab facilities in Canada. Because of this, there is a long waitlist, and as many of us know, time is of the essence in recovery.
Public facilities often don’t have the same resources, amenities and attention to care as good private rehabs do.
Private rehab may cost more in the short term, but the benefits of these treatment programs will be greater in the long run.
An investment that you will continue to reap the rewards of long after your treatment subsides.
And what better investment can we make than the one we make in ourselves, our health, and our future happiness, including those we love and care about?
For further information and support about our drug and alcohol rehab programs, contact our friendly team in Toronto today, who will happily assist you.
We are here and ready to help.
