Insurance & cost

The cost of addiction vs. the cost of treatment

Published January 5, 2025 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Treatment costs money. Addiction costs everything.

Cost of addiction per year

Substances: $5,000-$50,000+ depending on drug and severity. Lost income from impaired work: $10,000-$50,000. Legal costs (DUI, possession): $5,000-$15,000 per incident. Healthcare (ER visits, injuries, chronic conditions): $5,000-$20,000. Total: $25,000-$135,000+ annually.

Cost of treatment

Outpatient (IOP): $5,000-$15,000. Residential (30 days): $10,000-$30,000 (insurance reduces to $1,000-$5,000 out-of-pocket). MAT (annual): $3,000-$6,000. Meetings: free. Total first-year investment: $5,000-$35,000 with insurance.

The ROI

Every $1 invested in treatment saves $4-$7 in reduced drug-related costs. Treatment pays for itself within the first year through reduced substance spending, healthcare, and legal costs alone.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

Is treatment worth the cost?

Every $1 invested in treatment saves $4-$7 in reduced addiction-related costs. Treatment pays for itself quickly.

What does addiction cost per year?

$25,000-$135,000+ annually in substances, lost income, legal costs, and healthcare.

Is treatment cheaper than continuing to use?

Dramatically. First-year treatment costs are a fraction of annual addiction costs, and the savings compound.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.