With long waiting lines and overwhelmed local services, many people are looking at private alcohol detox in the UK and Europe. Some feel the costs will be unaffordable, but many affordable and exemplary detox centres offer a huge range of prices.
Why is it so hard to find alcohol detox prices?
It can be hard to find actual numbers on detox centres because they may charge different amounts depending on the level of care needed. Below, we have given a set of wide guidelines for the average prices you can expect to pay for alcohol detox.
Types of Alcohol Detox
There are many options when it comes to alcohol detox. It is essential to choose the right type of detox for your specific needs. Making the right decision saves time and money as well as your health and mental well-being.
Below are the different approaches to alcohol detox and why to choose them.
Residential Detox Centre
Dedicated detox centres are usually separate units within a general rehab centre. These provide individuals with medical supervision and care during the detoxification process. You will usually have your own room and either an en-suite or a shared bathroom.
If you choose to continue your stay after detox, you may be transferred to the rehabilitation unit. This might be done in stages, with you attending treatment in the rehab centre but staying in the detox centre.
Cost of a Residential Detox Centre
Fully residential care with medical supervision is the most expensive option. This doesn’t mean it is always unaffordable. If you are willing to be flexible on where you go and consider room sharing, alcohol detox as an inpatient can start around £1500/ week.
Detox from alcohol can last anywhere from a week to two weeks. Any longer stay will involve rehabilitation and counselling in addition. This is highly recommended and usually costs less than the initial detox.
Weekly Prices
1-week detox: £1500+
2-week detox: £3000+
3-week detox + rehab: £4000+
4-week detox + rehab program: £5000+
Prescription Detox & Costs
Most detox centres will offer all patients a prescription that targets the symptoms and protects their health. This will almost always be included in the price of the detox program. The only exception is if you want something specific that the detox clinic doesn’t normally offer.
The exact prescription might depend on your needs and the policies and beliefs of the detox clinic and its doctor.
Prescription detoxes in residential clinics are commonly a combination of:
- Sedatives – to ease shaking, delirium tremens and stop seizures
- Relapse prevention – naltrexone, disulfiram, acamprosate
- Symptom management – antacids, painkillers & supplements
You may have your meals tailored to your physical needs and medication. All meals and costs of your stay are usually included in the cost of your detox. Exceptions to this are that some holistic treatments may be add-ons, and additional requests from you for items and excursions may incur charges.
Home Alcohol Detox
Detoxing at home is a flexible, cost-effective, and comfortable option. It can fit around other commitments and offers privacy and the comfort of your own home.
A doctor can determine if you are suitable for a home alcohol detox, as not everyone can detox safely without medical supervision.
Who can do a home detox?
Detoxing as an outpatient can be a great option. The factors below will help the doctor determine if you can try a home alcohol detox:
- Alcohol consumption level
- Presence of a sober friend or family member to support
- Risk of alcohol in the home environment
- Medical history
- Detox history
Cost of Home Detox
Staying at home is usually more cost-effective than residential care. The cost will depend on your needs, if you want an additional prescription to prevent relapse after detoxing and any additional services you need.
1-2week detox: £1500-1650
Additional costs
How can I save money on alcohol detox?
Safety and treatment will be of a high standard for any detox centre we recommend, but there are areas where you can save money.
- Location – this is probably the biggest saving if you are willing to travel to a less popular area. Less popular doesn’t mean these aren’t nice places. Some of the most cost-effective detox centres are in beautiful areas such as Spain, Wales and Scotland. However, due to lower population and travel time, they aren’t in such demand and therefore less expensive.
- Room sharing – sharing a room can almost halve the cost of staying in a detox centre. It might sound challenging at such a vulnerable time in your life, but it can make you feel less isolated. You can even save thousands of pounds just by sharing a bathroom with others.
- Opt out of additional services. Many detox centres offer add-on holistic treatment. While these are great for easing your detox, they can add up cost-wise.
Is Detox Abroad Cheaper?
As in the UK, the price of detox can vary enormously. As a general rule, you will find more extremes abroad, with some very budget options and extreme luxury detox centres as well.
For longer stays, locations such as South Africa and Portugal may be the most cost-effective. You also have to consider the cost of travel, which will not usually be included.
Affordable flights and budget-conscious residential detox options make Spain a great choice. Not only are some of the lowest-cost detox centres there, but you will get more value for money at the luxury residences as well.
Is Medical Insurance an Option?
If your policy covers addiction and alcohol dependence, there are many detox clinics in the UK and abroad that accept insurance. If you would like help finding the best clinic that will accept your insurance, our team can use our database of approved centres to find the right place.
How Does Detox Plus Help?
Searching on your own through all the available clinics for detox can be a challenge. Comparing prices even more so. Our team can do the shopping around for you and help you find what you want for your budget. They can tell you where to compromise and how to get what you need for a price you can afford.
