What is the Cost of NOT Going to Treatment? Part III - Financial Costs

Read Part I: "I Don't Have Time to Get Help with My Substance Abuse Problem or Eating Disorder" 

Read Part II: The Legal Costs of Abusing Drugs and Alcohol 

Read Part IV: Health Issues 

Read Part V: The Family Suffers

The Financial Costs of NOT Going to Treatment

People who are in the grips of alcoholism, drug addiction, or an eating disorder will often deny that they have a problem. When confronted by family and loved ones, they will often find any number of excuses why not to receive help from clinicians who are trained and experienced in helping men and women change their lives through recovery.

"I Can't Afford to Go to Treatment for My Drug or Alcohol Abuse Problem"

This is a common and recurring argument that men and women use to avoid receiving treatment for the addiction or alcoholism that threatents their lives. The person who needs help will argue that since receiving treatment costs money (and it may require taking time off work) then it is "too expensive."

The Question we ask in response is: "Can you afford to NOT go to treatment?" How much is being spent on the substance that is being used per day? Multiply that times 365 days a year and you have the cost the alcohol or drug alone. This does not factor in the lost time at work due to the effects of abusing drugs. And calculating the mere financial cost of the drugs or alcohol being abused does not even take into account the degraded quality of life of the addicted person nor the effect on the health of the individual that can lead to costly medical bills (or worse...). Also, as outlined in our last blog entry about the legal costs of abusing drugs and alcohol, the financial penalties of drug related legal problems are skyrocketing. Also, not only can one not work while incarcerated, the stigma of drug related legal issues can often ruin an otherwise promising career.

Also, keep in mind that addiction is a progressive disease and when you project into the future the costs of continuing to be an active alcoholic or drug abuser, you must consider that the money, time, and quality of life lost actively engaging in addictive drug or alcohol use will increase over time. Also, if the individual is engaging in illegal activities (or even occasionally driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) the time that could be lost to the correctional system can dwarf the recommended 90 days of treatment.

If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs, an alcoholic drinker, or suffering from an eating disorder, you are not alone. Millions of people struggle with addiction and eating disorders and the treatment available from centers like ours has never been better. The important thing is not to suffer in silence and do nothing, but take action and pick up the phone and call (866)323-5609. You can also fill out a confidential web form and request an assessment from one of our clinical addiction treatment experts.