The True Cost of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Ethan O. Bryson; Christine E. Boxhorn

doi:10.1017/9781009256551.016

11 - The True Cost of Opioid Addiction Treatment

from Part III - The Treatment Plan

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 October 2023

Ethan O. Bryson and

Christine E. Boxhorn

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Ethan O. Bryson: Affiliation:
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
Christine E. Boxhorn: Affiliation:
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

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Summary

The financial burden of the opioid epidemic can be measured in trillions of dollars. Although treatment of substance use disorders can also be expensive, multiple cost–benefit analyses have demonstrated that treating addiction is cost-effective when compared to addiction-related expenses. Inpatient treatment tends to be more expensive than outpatient, and the actual cost of treatment varies by country. In addition, insurance status can play a significant role, especially in countries that do not offer universal health care. Unfortunately, there have been multiple victims of a scheme known as body brokering, in which vulnerable individuals are exploited for their insurance benefits. Therefore, it is important to find a reputable substance abuse program before entering treatment.

Keywords

cost insurance patient brokering body brokering Florida Shuffle inpatient outpatient business Affordable Care Act sober living

Type: Chapter
Information: The Opioid Epidemic
Origins, Current State and Potential Solutions
, pp. 136 - 143

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009256551.016 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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References

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