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Is it okay to use a credit card to pay for addiction treatment?

Question: Can I use a credit card to pay for alcohol or drug rehab?

Answer: Generally, yes. A credit card is a fast and easy option for those with who cannot afford the entire cost of treatment upfront. However, this is not always the best choice for everybody.

Questions to consider before using a credit card to pay for treatment

Does the treatment center accept credit cards?

Most centers will accept credit cards as payment, but not all. Be sure to read their financing page and call the center with additional questions.

Do you have the means to make monthly payments?

Interest is high for credit. If you cannot pay the entire balance in a month, you’ll end up paying a lot in interest costs. However, paying off the balance in one month might not be practical for such a large sum. So, you’ll probably end up having to pay some interest, but you can keep it minimal by paying off the amount as quickly as possible.

Ideally, you may want to open a new credit card altogether (if possible). Since many credit cards have a 0% intro APR (annual percentage rate), starting a new credit card gives you more time to pay the amount before interest begins to accrue.

Bottom line: Exercise discretion and carefully weigh the risk and benefits of using a credit card before making the ultimate decision to swipe the plastic.

Loans and other methods of payment

Even if you are able to pay for treatment with your credit card, explore alternative ways of payment, such as scholarships or loans.

  • Loans are generally preferable to credit due to their lower interest rates. Other resources, such as social lending networks or family and friends offer additional avenues of support.

Read more about other ways you can pay for rehab⇒

Financial options depend on the treatment center

Every alcohol and drug rehab accepts different methods of payment and offers various degrees of financial asisstance. To choose a quality treatment center that meets your needs financially, research and compare your top treatment options.

And remember that while treatment is expensive, addiction is costly too. When you invest in treatment, you are investing into the rest of your life.

“It saved my life, and the people who came through and helped pay for it for me wanted to see me live. And that’s something that you can’t really put a price on, is being able to live.” —Andrew, former Duffy’s guest

How Duffy’s Can Help You

At Duffy’s, we understand the challenge of financing your recovery, and we do our best to help you.

  • Duffy’s offers financing for up to 50% of your treatment cost. Exact amounts vary depending on your credit history.
  • Duffy’s accepts all insurance companies with out-of-network benefits (PPO). Many of our guests receive a significant number of days covered depending on their plan. The best part is we do all the work for you: we’ll verify your insurance, negotiate for maximum coverage and follow up with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
  • Duffy’s offers a range of the most affordable prices for residential rehab in Northern California. Guests can choose a program that best suits their needs among our different options (including a 7 day and 14 day program in addition to the more popular choices of 28 day and 90 day stays).

For additional questions on how to pay for treatment, call us at 1-707-348-4874.