Treatment Types
Inpatient Rehab
24/7 residential treatment with medical supervision
Typical Cost
$6,000–$30,000 for 30 days
Duration
28–90 days typical
Ideal For
Severe addictions, co-occurring disorders, those needing a structured environment
Need help finding a treatment program?
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What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment, is an intensive form of addiction treatment where you live at the facility for the duration of your program. You'll have access to medical professionals 24/7, participate in daily therapy sessions, and follow a structured schedule designed to help you build the foundation for lasting recovery.
Overview
Inpatient rehabilitation provides round-the-clock care in a residential setting. Patients live at the facility and receive a combination of individual therapy, group counseling, medical monitoring, and holistic activities.
Pros & Cons of Inpatient Rehab
Advantages
- ✓24/7 medical supervision and support
- ✓Structured environment removes triggers and temptations
- ✓Intensive therapy including individual and group sessions
- ✓Peer support from others in recovery
- ✓Higher completion rates compared to outpatient
Considerations
- ✗Higher cost than outpatient options
- ✗Requires time away from work and family
- ✗May feel restrictive for some individuals
- ✗Insurance may not cover the full stay
- ✗Transition back to daily life can be challenging
How to Find Inpatient Rehab
Contact your insurance provider for in-network facilities, call SAMHSA's helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or search the SAMHSA treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Many facilities offer free assessments to determine the right level of care.
Inpatient Rehab Costs by State
30-day inpatient rehab cost estimates across a sample of states.
| State | Avg. 30-Day Inpatient Cost | Treatment Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $16,000–$30,000 | 520 |
| California | $20,000–$40,000 | 2,800 |
| Florida | $18,000–$35,000 | 1,650 |
| Georgia | $15,000–$30,000 | 480 |
| Illinois | $18,000–$35,000 | 750 |
| New York | $22,000–$42,000 | 1,500 |
| North Carolina | $16,000–$30,000 | 520 |
| Ohio | $16,000–$30,000 | 700 |
| Pennsylvania | $18,000–$35,000 | 850 |
| Texas | $15,000–$30,000 | 1,200 |
Costs are estimates and vary by facility, location, and insurance coverage. View individual state pages for more detail.
Find Inpatient Rehab In Your State
What to Look for in an Inpatient Rehab Facility
Choosing the right inpatient rehab facility is one of the most consequential decisions you will make during recovery. Because you will be living at the facility full-time for 30 to 90 days, the quality of the clinical program, the credentials of the staff, and the overall environment all have a direct impact on your chances of long-term sobriety. Taking time to research and ask the right questions before committing can make the difference between a transformative experience and a costly disappointment.
Accreditation and Licensing
The single most important credential to verify is accreditation from The Joint Commission (TJC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). These independent bodies audit facilities for clinical standards, safety protocols, and patient rights. You should also confirm the facility holds a valid state license and that its licenses are current. Accreditation does not guarantee a perfect experience, but it establishes a baseline of accountability that unaccredited programs may lack.
Staff Credentials and Ratios
Ask about the clinical team. A strong inpatient program employs licensed counselors (LCSW, LPC, or equivalent), at least one board-certified psychiatrist or addiction medicine physician, registered nurses on-site around the clock, and peer recovery specialists. The staff-to-patient ratio matters enormously: a ratio of 1 clinician to every 6-8 patients allows for meaningful individual attention. Be cautious of programs that rely primarily on unlicensed staff or life coaches for core therapy sessions.
Medical Capabilities
Inpatient facilities should have the ability to manage medical detox on-site or through a closely integrated partner, administer and monitor medications including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use disorders, and respond to medical emergencies. If you have co-occurring physical health conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, or liver disease, confirm the facility can manage these alongside your addiction treatment. Dual-diagnosis capabilities for co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD are equally critical.
Evidence-Based Therapy Modalities
The core of any inpatient program should be evidence-based therapies. Look for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care approaches such as EMDR. A quality program will offer a mix of individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducational sessions. While complementary approaches like yoga, art therapy, and mindfulness can enhance recovery, they should supplement rather than replace clinically proven methods.
Aftercare and Discharge Planning
Recovery does not end when you leave the facility. Ask when aftercare planning begins — ideally it starts within the first week of admission, not the last. A strong aftercare plan includes step-down recommendations (such as transitioning to an IOP or sober living), connections to local support groups, a relapse prevention plan, and scheduled follow-up check-ins. Some facilities offer alumni programs that provide ongoing community and accountability for months or years after discharge.
Family Involvement Programs
Addiction affects entire families, and research shows that family involvement in treatment significantly improves outcomes. Look for programs that offer family therapy sessions, family education workshops about addiction, structured visitation policies, and guidance on setting healthy boundaries. The best inpatient programs treat the family system, not just the individual, and help families heal alongside their loved one.
Facility Environment and Culture
The physical environment and community culture of a facility matter more than many people realize. If possible, visit the facility or request a virtual tour before enrolling. Pay attention to cleanliness, the demeanor of staff and current residents, the food quality, and whether the atmosphere feels supportive rather than punitive. A respectful, recovery-oriented culture where patients are treated with dignity creates the psychological safety necessary for deep therapeutic work. Trust your instincts: if something feels off during a tour or phone call, continue looking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inpatient Rehab
Q: How much does inpatient rehab cost with insurance?
With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day inpatient program typically ranges from $0 to $7,500, depending on your plan's deductible, copay structure, and whether the facility is in-network. The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment as an essential health benefit. Contact your insurer directly to verify your benefits and get a pre-authorization before admission. Many facilities also have financial counselors who will handle insurance verification for you at no charge.
Q: How much does inpatient rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 30-day inpatient programs typically cost between $5,000 and $30,000 for standard facilities. Costs vary significantly by state, facility type, and amenities. However, many options exist for the uninsured: state-funded programs often charge on a sliding scale based on income, some nonprofit facilities offer free or low-cost beds, and Medicaid may cover treatment in states with expanded coverage. SAMHSA's helpline (1-800-662-4357) can help you find affordable options in your area.
Q: What does a typical daily schedule look like in inpatient rehab?
A typical day in inpatient rehab runs from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is highly structured. Mornings usually include breakfast, a morning meditation or check-in, and individual or group therapy sessions. Afternoons involve additional therapy groups, psychoeducational lectures, and recreational activities like exercise or art therapy. Evenings include dinner, 12-step or peer support meetings, and free time for journaling or socializing. Weekends often have a lighter schedule with family visitation hours and recreational outings.
Q: Can you have visitors during inpatient rehab?
Most inpatient facilities allow visitors, but policies vary. Many programs restrict visitation during the first one to two weeks to allow patients to focus on stabilization and adjustment. After that initial period, facilities typically allow visits during designated hours, often on weekends. Some programs include family therapy sessions as part of the visitation experience. Visitors may need to be pre-approved, and items brought in are usually inspected. Ask about the specific visitation policy before admission so your family knows what to expect.
Q: What should you pack for inpatient rehab?
Pack comfortable, modest clothing for about a week (laundry is typically available), toiletries without alcohol-based ingredients, a journal and pen, books or approved reading material, comfortable shoes for exercise, and any prescribed medications in their original labeled bottles. Most facilities prohibit electronics (or limit phone use to specific times), weapons, alcohol-based products, and outside food. Your facility will provide a packing list upon admission — follow it closely, as items not on the list may be confiscated.
Q: How long should you stay in inpatient rehab?
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that treatment lasting less than 90 days has limited effectiveness, and significantly better outcomes are associated with longer stays. The most common program lengths are 30, 60, and 90 days. A 30-day stay provides stabilization and foundational skills, while 60- and 90-day programs allow deeper therapeutic work and more time to practice coping strategies. Your ideal length of stay depends on the severity of your addiction, your substance of use, any co-occurring mental health conditions, and your home environment.
Q: What are the success rates for inpatient rehab?
Success rates depend on how "success" is defined and measured. Studies show that approximately 40-60% of people who complete inpatient treatment maintain sobriety at one year, which is comparable to management rates for other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Completion of the full program, engagement in aftercare, and social support are the strongest predictors of long-term recovery. It is important to understand that relapse does not mean failure — it is often part of the recovery process and signals a need to adjust the treatment approach.
Q: Will I receive medication during inpatient rehab?
Many inpatient programs use medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using drugs like buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone is considered the gold standard for opioid use disorders. For alcohol dependence, medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram may be prescribed. Psychiatric medications for co-occurring depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are also commonly managed. All medication decisions are made by the facility's medical team in collaboration with you.
Q: What happens after you complete inpatient rehab?
After completing inpatient rehab, most people transition to a lower level of care to maintain their recovery. Common next steps include moving to a sober living house, enrolling in an intensive outpatient program (IOP), attending regular outpatient therapy, and participating in 12-step or other mutual aid groups. Your discharge plan — developed with your treatment team before you leave — will outline specific recommendations, follow-up appointments, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to your needs.
Q: What is the difference between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab?
The primary difference is that inpatient rehab requires you to live at the facility 24/7, while outpatient rehab allows you to live at home and attend treatment sessions during scheduled hours. Inpatient programs provide a more immersive, controlled environment that removes you from triggers and provides round-the-clock support. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility for people with work or family obligations. Inpatient is generally recommended for severe addictions, co-occurring disorders, or people who have relapsed after outpatient treatment. Many people benefit from starting with inpatient care and stepping down to outpatient as they progress.
Ready to Take the First Step?
SAMHSA's National Helpline connects you with local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Call SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357