Bottom line up front: A 30-day inpatient rehabilitation programme in Colombia costs $4,000β$15,000, compared to $20,000β$80,000+ at comparable US facilities. A 90-day programme β widely considered the gold standard for lasting recovery β costs $10,000β$35,000 in Colombia versus $60,000β$180,000 in the US. You receive the same evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, MAT, dual diagnosis) at a fraction of the price.
βοΈ Medical Disclaimer
We are a referral service, not a treatment provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or active withdrawal, contact your local emergency services immediately. For substance abuse help in the US, call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Cost by Programme Length
| Programme | Colombia | United States | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox (7β10 days) | $1,500 β $5,000 | $5,000 β $20,000 | 60β75% |
| 30-Day Inpatient | $4,000 β $15,000 | $20,000 β $80,000 | 60β80% |
| 60-Day Inpatient | $7,000 β $25,000 | $40,000 β $120,000 | 65β80% |
| 90-Day Inpatient | $10,000 β $35,000 | $60,000 β $180,000 | 70β80% |
| Luxury / Executive | $15,000 β $30,000 | $50,000 β $120,000 | 65β75% |
What Is Typically Included
β Standard Inclusions at Most Centres
Private or semi-private accommodation with meals. 24/7 medical supervision and nursing staff. Medical detoxification (if needed). Individual therapy sessions (typically 3β5 per week). Group therapy sessions (daily). Psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Evidence-based modalities: CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention. Holistic therapies: yoga, meditation, fitness, art therapy. Aftercare planning and discharge support. Airport pickup and facility transfer.
β οΈ Often Extra β Ask Before Committing
International flights (always your responsibility). Specialised psychiatric medications (some included, some billed separately). Extended aftercare or alumni programme fees. Family therapy sessions (often available but may be additional). Adventure therapy, equine therapy, or speciality programmes. Visa extension fees if staying beyond 90 days. Travel insurance.
What Drives the Price?
Programme Length
Research consistently shows that longer treatment produces better outcomes. Thirty days is the minimum meaningful duration for inpatient treatment. Sixty days allows deeper therapeutic work on underlying issues. Ninety days β three months β is considered the evidence-based benchmark for sustained recovery, particularly for severe addictions and dual diagnosis cases. Most Colombian centres offer discounted per-day rates for longer stays.
Facility Level
Colombia's rehab market spans from basic residential facilities ($4,000β$6,000/month) to mid-range centres with solid clinical programmes ($7,000β$15,000/month) to luxury and executive facilities with private suites, gourmet dining, and premium amenities ($15,000β$30,000/month). Clinical quality does not always correlate with price β some mid-range centres have stronger clinical teams than luxury facilities that invest more in amenities than therapy.
Substance and Complexity
Alcohol and benzodiazepine detoxification requires careful medical management and may increase costs. Opioid addiction treatment involving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or naltrexone adds pharmaceutical costs. Dual diagnosis β co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction β requires specialised psychiatric care and typically costs more than addiction-only programmes.
Total Trip Cost: What You Actually Spend
| Expense | 30-Day Estimate | 90-Day Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment programme | $4,000 β $15,000 | $10,000 β $35,000 |
| Round-trip flights | $300 β $700 | $300 β $700 |
| Travel insurance | $50 β $150 | $100 β $300 |
| Incidentals / personal | $100 β $300 | $200 β $600 |
| Total | $4,450 β $16,150 | $10,600 β $36,600 |
Even at the high end of a 90-day luxury programme in Colombia, you are spending less than the low end of a 30-day programme at many US facilities. The savings are substantial enough to make long-duration treatment β the kind that actually produces lasting results β financially accessible for many families.
Insurance and Payment
Most US health insurance plans do not cover international treatment. However, the out-of-pocket cost of rehab in Colombia is often less than the insurance co-pay or deductible for domestic treatment. Some families use HSA/FSA funds, though coverage varies. Many Colombian centres offer payment plans or accept credit card payments spread across the treatment period.
π‘ The Real Cost Calculation
When comparing costs, factor in the alternative: what is the cost of not getting effective treatment? Lost wages, legal consequences, healthcare costs from untreated addiction, and the personal toll on family relationships compound rapidly. A $15,000 investment in a 90-day Colombian programme that produces lasting recovery is far less expensive than repeated 30-day stints at US facilities that fail because they are too short.
Questions to Ask About Pricing
- What is included in the quoted price? β Get a written breakdown of everything covered: accommodation, meals, therapy sessions, medications, medical supervision.
- What is NOT included? β Ask explicitly about potential additional charges.
- What are the payment terms? β Full upfront, deposits, or payment plans?
- What is your refund policy? β If the patient leaves early or treatment is not a good fit, what happens financially?
- Are medications included? β Psychiatric medications and MAT drugs can add significant cost if billed separately.
- Is there a cost for extending the programme? β If clinical need indicates a longer stay, what is the additional per-day or per-week rate?
Get a Personalised Cost Estimate
Every situation is different. Tell us about your needs β substance, programme length, budget β and we will match you with centres that fit. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Free AssessmentThe Bottom Line
Addiction treatment in Colombia costs 60β80% less than comparable US programmes, making it possible to afford the longer treatment durations that research shows produce the best outcomes. A 90-day programme in Colombia costs roughly what a 30-day programme costs in the US β and 90 days gives you dramatically better odds of sustained recovery. The quality of clinical care is comparable: the same evidence-based modalities, qualified therapists, and medical supervision, delivered in environments that actively support healing.
Read more: What to Expect | Alcohol Rehab Guide | Why Rehab Abroad | Family Guide