Affordable rehabs in the UK

Money should never be the reason someone doesn’t get help for addiction. But the reality is that private rehab does cost money, and it is understandable to worry about the cost of treatment. The good news is that affordable rehab does exist, providing the treatment you need without the price tag of luxury rehab.

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What are the typical price ranges for UK rehab?

Private rehab prices in the UK can vary enormously. At the lower end, rehab programmes start at around £6,000. At the top end, facilities can charge £20,000 or more for the same length of stay. Most people looking for affordable drug rehab or alcohol rehab will find themselves somewhere in the middle, paying enough to get quality care, but not so much that it breaks them financially.

Inpatient programme length affects cost more than almost anything else:

A 10-day package will usually cost a couple of thousand pounds. These are mainly detox programmes, getting you through the physical withdrawal safely, but leaving limited time for the therapy part of recovery. A short stay may suit people whose dependence hasn’t become all-consuming, or those who plan to continue with outpatient therapy afterwards.

A 14-day package generally costs around £8,000. Two weeks is usually enough time for medical drug or alcohol detox, and the beginning of the mental side of treatment. This will help get you back on your feet and begin looking at why the addiction took hold.

A28-day package is the most common option, typically around £14,000. A month gives your body time to recover through alcohol or drug detox, while you start working through what’s underneath the addiction. Most clinical research on rehab effectiveness is based on programmes of this length or longer.

A 90-day package can range from £15,000 to £30,000 or more. Three months allows real change, and the chance to practise living differently before you have to do it alone.

These figures are rough guides, and where the centre is based, whether you’re sharing a room, how many hours of therapy you’re getting, and what extras come bundled in can all affect the price. But a programme at the cheaper end isn’t necessarily worse, it may just have shared rooms instead of private ones, or be located outside London where property costs less.

What should be included in cost packages?

When comparing affordable rehab options, knowing what’s included matters more than the headline price:

Detox

Detox is non-negotiable for anyone physically dependent on alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Withdrawal from these substances can be dangerous without proper medical supervision. Any legitimate rehab should include professional support and prescribed medication where needed to keep you safe. If a centre quotes you a low price but detox costs extra, you will need to factor that in.

Accommodation

Accommodation and meals are usually bundled into the cost at residential facilities. What varies is things like shared rooms or private ones, and basic food versus fine dining. For most people, comfortable but simple accommodation is perfectly fine, as you’re there to get well, not to be pampered.

Individual and group therapy

These sessions are where most of the recovery work happens. This means regular one-to-one sessions with a qualified therapist and daily group work with others in treatment. The NHS is not usually able to provide individual counselling, but even private rehabs vary. When enquiring about treatment, check how many therapy hours are included per week. A programme offering two individual sessions and minimal group time isn’t comparable to one with daily groups and three or more individual sessions.

A range of therapies

The best affordable rehab centres offer multiple different forms of therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the most widely used and researched approach for addiction, and depending on your situation, trauma-based therapy, holistic therapies, motivational interviewing, family therapy, and other approaches may also be beneficial.

Ongoing support

Even the most affordable programmes should include some form of ongoing support after you finish your initial pack. That will hopefully include weekly group sessions as an outpatient and strong alumni support and services.

What to consider when choosing an affordable rehab?

Finding affordable alcohol rehab or affordable drug rehab means thinking carefully about what is worth paying for:

Location

Geography can affect the price a lot, so you need to decide how important location is to you. A residential stay in central London is likely to cost a lot more than a comparable stay in Yorkshire, not because the treatment is better, but because rent and staff salaries are higher. If you’re stepping away from daily life anyway, travelling a few hours could save you thousands without losing anything that matters.

Shared room vs private

Sharing a room is the quickest way to cut costs. Some people genuinely need privacy for medical or psychological reasons, but most don’t. If the choice is between a shared room at a well-staffed facility and a private room somewhere with fewer therapists, it is something you need to weigh up.

Hidden costs

It is the hidden costs that often catch people out. Some programmes quote a base price then charge separately for psychiatric consultations or one-to-one therapy sessions. Others include everything in their quoted price. Make sure you get the full breakdown in writing before you commit to anything.

Payment plans and insurance

In some cases, paying for treatment in instalments may be possible, as some centres offer payment plans that spread the cost over months. Others accept insurance or can advise on whether your policy covers any portion of treatment.

Find an affordable rehab for your recovery today

If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you work out what’s available. Our rehab cost guide covers some of the key information you need to know, and we can discuss any and all options available to you by simply answering the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is affordable rehab as effective as expensive rehab?

The price on the invoice doesn’t predict whether someone stays sober. What increases your chances of lasting recovery is how much time you spend in treatment, the quality and experience of the therapists, a range of treatment approaches, and strong ongoing support. You can get all of that at a mid-range facility as long as you do your research.

What is the cheapest way to get addiction treatment?

NHS services are free at the point of use, though waiting lists can be long, and residential rehab through the NHS is very limited. For residential treatment, there are many affordable private rehabs out there. Some charitable rehabs can offer reduced fees or funded places for people without the money for private treatment.

Can I negotiate the price of private rehab?

Sometimes. Some centres have flexibility, especially for longer stays or if beds aren’t full. It’s worth asking whether any discounts apply, whether payment plans are available, or whether a slightly shorter programme could fit your budget. What you shouldn’t do is choose a programme that cuts corners on the things that actually matter just because it’s cheaper. Treatment that doesn’t work will only end up costing you twice: once when you pay, and again when you’re back where you started.