Alcohol & Drug Rehabs in Georgia

Georgia is ranked 8th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $55,475 (without insurance).

• Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $136,766
• Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Georgia costs an average of $48,953
• Outpatient addiction treatment in Georgia costs an average of $8,134
• Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,227

Keep in mind these costs are averages for all types of addiction treatment, including medically supervised detox and residential inpatient rehab, both of which drive up the average. These numbers also reflect the full cost of drug rehab without any insurance coverage. Most individuals can expect to pay far less than these prices for more typical outpatient drug treatment, MAT, and addiction therapy.

Cost of Drug Rehab in Georgia Compared to Nearby States

Here is how much addiction treatment costs in Georgia vs nearby states like Florida, Alabama, and North Carolina.

As of 2024, there were over 390 drug rehab facilities across the state of Georgia. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:

308 accept self-payment or cash

165 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance

191 accept Medicaid insurance coverage

149 accept state funded insurance coverage

198 accept private health insurance

142 offer free or low-cost treatment

21 offer free treatment for all clients

13 accept tribal funding

Private Insurance in Georgia

Many treatment facilities will take private pay clients and those with commercial health insurance coverage. Some people with insurance coverage choose self pay so their insurance provider, and potentially their employer, is unaware they require care.

Most commercial health insurance providers include coverage for drug and alcohol addiction and mental health treatment. The benefits and coverage levels vary among providers and health insurance plans. Addiction treatment centers typically verify your insurance coverage and help estimate your out of pocket costs. These are some of the major health insurance providers that offer coverage in Georgia.

• Aetna
• Alliant Health Plans
• Ambetter
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc
• CareSource
• Cigna
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• Oscar Health Plan of Georgia
• UnitedHealthcare

Medicaid

Medicaid is a collaboratively funded program between the state and federal governments. You must meet basic eligibility requirements to receive benefits. These include low income, age, legal blindness, disability, or nursing home care. Medicaid covers alcohol and drug rehab treatment in facilities that accept Medicaid.

Georgia also has a Georgia Pathways to Coverage program for people who do not meet the eligibility requirements for traditional Medicaid. Eligibility includes low income of up to 100% of the federal poverty level, residency, and citizenship requirements, not qualifying for traditional Medicaid, and completing at least 80 hours of qualifying activity.

Medicare

Medicare is a government funded program for people over 65 years or individuals with certain disabilities or health conditions. Two parts of Medicare help pay for drug rehab and addiction treatment centers. These are Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient care, skilled nursing, and home health care, and Medicare Part B, which covers healthcare providers, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment.

Medicare offers coverage for inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Most rehab centers will verify your coverage, which can vary depending on Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. These premium-based, managed care plans provided by private companies may include more addiction treatment coverage.

Military Insurance

There are several types of military insurance in Georgia, including TRICARE, VA health care, and Armed Forces Insurance. These are government sponsored plans that are available to military personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families throughout the U.S.

The Atlanta VA Healthcare System has addiction treatment services, including 24-hour residential care and outpatient programs. The Georgia VA Medical Centers have two centers, one in Dublin and one in Augusta, that offer the same services. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service includes education, training, benefits assistance, and other healthcare resources.

Tribal Funding

Alcoholism is a problem in many Native American communities. There are several options that may offer funding sources for treatment. The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant is distributed to states, territories, and jurisdictions which gives them the flexibility to produce programs related to the local needs. “States” also includes the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.

The Georgia grant portal lists one grant to tribal communities to support behavioral health. IHS-Tribal-Urban funds provide funding help to healthcare agencies that offer alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Many individuals do not have access to care because of financial challenges. These funds may help people receive the help they need when they need it. Tribal members can also apply to their tribal association for funding help.

Other Low Cost Options

Even with health insurance, you still face out of pocket costs that can be overwhelming. Many treatment centers offer other financial adjustments that help reduce this challenge so treatment can become a reality.

• Private loan: A personal or private loan offers you the most immediate financial assistance. You can negotiate the repayment terms and the interest rate when the loan originates from a friend or relative.
• Sliding scale fees: Many programs offer sliding scale fees to reduce financial overhead. You must provide documentation of your low income and financial need.
• Employee assistance programs: EAPs may offer free or low-cost addiction treatment at drug rehabs where they have an agreement with the facility. Some EAPs also offer financial assistance to cover out of pocket expenses.
• Faith-based programs: The foundation of faith-based treatment programs is typically religious beliefs. The religious community that offers the program may provide free or low-cost care for participants.
• Grants and scholarships: Many local businesses, state and government agencies, and private corporations offer grants and scholarships for individuals seeking drug and alcohol addiction.

Living Proof Recovery

This organization believes there are multiple avenues to achieving sustainable recovery. They have recovery coaching with a certified peer specialist during the day and evening hours. They offer support to family members, a workout room for peers, an artistic expression room, and fun outings. They help members with clothing, a computer lab, and job resources.

Oasis Recovery Community Organization

Oasis offers resources for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. They provide connections to community support and help them remove barriers that prevent access to treatment. They offer a safe environment where people can receive services to recover and celebrate success. Free services include peer to peer mentoring, counseling, life skills classes, a resource center, housing and transportation assistance, and legal assistance.

People Living in Recovery

This independent nonprofit community organization is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist and is certified by the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse. The combination of certifications and work with the community gives them the expertise and experience to serve this population. They focus on policy and advocacy activities, provide peer recovery support, and host local and regional recovery celebrations. They implement recovery focused outreach programs and conduct public and professional educational events.

Georgia Department of Community Affairs

This department provides safe and affordable help for the homeless. There is a relationship between substance use and homelessness that is not well understood. Through their Continuum of Care network, this organization assists local areas throughout the state. Assistance also includes tools and technical support for cities and local authorities to strengthen the communities and build funding sources to meet housing needs.

Substance Use Disorder Resources

The Office of Disability Services Ombudsman provides this searchable list of resources throughout Georgia that address substance use and drug and alcohol addiction. The list includes links to the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association, Georgia Association of Recovery Residences, and Georgia Council on Substance Abuse. These organizations provide hope and help for those who struggle with addiction, including counseling, a forum for exchanging ideas, and advocacy.

Let’s take a quick look at how much opioid-related deaths have grown over the years:¹

From 2012 to 2020, the total number of opioid overdose deaths increased by 140%, going from 554 to 1332.

Opioid overdoses accounted for 7,954 Emergency Room visits and 2,822 hospitalizations in 2020.

The highest numbers of fatal opioid overdoses, ER visits, and hospitalizations were in urban areas.

From 2019 to 2020, fentanyl-involved overdoses increased by 107%, causing 813 overdose fatalities in 2020.

Prescribing practices regarding opioid medications have become stricter compared to the early 1990s. However, it has become evident that the previously irresponsible prescribing practices are partially to blame for the opioid epidemic.

For perspective, there were roughly 71 opioid prescriptions written for every 100 people in Georgia—and that was just in 2006.¹ During this time, the national average was approximately 59 prescriptions per 100 people. What’s more, those prescription numbers have climbed significantly for Georgia, despite these stricter practices.

Georgia 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law

This is part of the legal code in Georgia that provides limited immunity from arrest and prosecution when individuals experience a drug overdose and need medical care. This can include possession of some drugs and drug paraphernalia. When medical assistance could result in penalties, individuals may also be relieved of protective or restraining order violations. The law is meant to protect the health of the person who overdoses, since bystanders may fail to get medical help if they are afraid it will put them at risk of prosecution for related crimes.

Georgia Marijuana Laws

Georgia classifies marijuana as a controlled substance, and the state regulates the sale, possession, and manufacture of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. In Georgia, it is a crime to possess the drug for personal use, to drive under the influence of marijuana, and to buy, sell, or manufacture it.

Violations of the law within 1,000 feet of a designated drug free zone incur greater penalties, including added prison time and fines. Drug free zones include near schools, parks, recreational centers, and public housing projects.

Workplace Drug Testing

Generally, Georgia employers can drug test employees, including to receive a discount on workers’ compensation insurance. Federal law requires testing in some safety-sensitive areas, but state and local laws can add regulations. Georgia has a drug-free program for the workplace that regulates testing.

If an employer has such a program, they are required to drug test new employees, after any accident in the workplace, or if there is reasonable expectation of use. Employers must distribute their written policy, and employees can generally be fired if they fail a drug test, with some exceptions such as having a valid prescription.

Georgia DUI Laws

Georgia has several laws that regulate the use of alcohol. An “open container” is any open alcoholic beverage that violates the law, even when passengers are drinking, except in the living quarters of a motor home or house trailer.

Violation of aggressive driving laws incurs more penalties when alcohol is involved. Fines for driving under the influence can range as high as $5,000 for the third offense within five years of the second offense.

Boating Under the Influence

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources warns boaters not to drink and drive their boat. Operating any type of watercraft, including skis, sailboards, sailboats, and personal watercraft, is strictly forbidden while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Penalties can include losing the privilege to operate a boat until they complete a DUI risk reduction program. Further penalties can include a $1,000 fine and/or prison time for up to one year. Refusal to take a drug or alcohol test includes losing privileges, and it can be offered as evidence at a trial. If there are children under the age of 14 years present, charges of endangering a child can be included.

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, April 3). Georgia: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.
2. FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, November 10). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021, October 13). Grants.
5. Shah, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2021, October 11). Opioid Withdrawal. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
6. LGBT Substance Use—Beyond Statistics. (n.d.). SocialWorkToday.
7. Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale County Health Departments. (n.d.). The Georgia 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law.
8. Eldridge, E. 2021, February 11). Parity Law Aims to Equalize Mental Health and Addiction Coverage With Physical Care. Georgia Public Broadcasting.
9. Georgia Medicaid Eligibility. https://medicaid.georgia.gov/how-apply/basic-eligibility
10. Georgia Pathways. https://pathways.georgia.gov/
11. Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant. https://nasadad.org/substance-use-prevention-treatment-and-recovery-services-suptrs-block-grant/
12. Georgia Grant Portal. https://georgia.thegrantportal.com/substance-abuse
13. Georgia 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law. https://www.gsw.edu/public-safety/medical-amnesty-law
14. Georgia Marijuana Laws. https://www.burkecountysheriff.com/georgia-marijuana-laws.cfm
15. Georgia Highway Safety DUI Laws. https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/impaired-driving-laws/