If you can afford it, or you've got reasonable health insurance, a private drug rehab is better - and the city of Laguna California offers some of the nation's finest and most exclusive drug and alcohol treatment centers.

The decision to enter into drug treatment is rarely a financial one. You get help to live a better life, for family and for good health. You get help because you need it. But although you don't enter into drug rehab to save a buck, the wide variations in drug rehab price and services can’t help but make you wonder what you’re paying for, and if you’re going to get your moneys worth.

Providing a quality treatment experience costs money. Doctors, psychologists, and counselors don’t come cheap, nor should they, and the everyday expenses of housing clients in style and comfort all add up to a fair sum by the end of a 28 day stay. You won’t find a bargain private drug rehab, and really, you don’t want one.

Rehab is hard. At its best, a Laguna drug rehab puts you through intensive days of therapy – an emotional roller coaster necessary for the personal growth that's needed. It may look like a country club or great resort, but you’re not there to have fun, and a little comfort can help a lot.

Having a nice and private room to return to each night may not be as important as good therapeutics, but those that sleep comfortably in a private space of sanctuary surely appreciate the little things; and if a luxurious environment helps you to relax and participate more enthusiastically in the business of getting better, then it has real value.

So how much does it cost?

Seemingly the most closely guarded secret in the industry, rare is the drug rehab website that will tell you their prices without getting you on the phone.

Firstly then, rehab is expensive.

Although those without the means to finance a stay at a private drug rehab may find affordable drug treatment, those wishing a better experience will be looking at treatment costs of between 20 and 30 thousand per month. Most Laguna drug rehabs will accept private health insurance, but you will almost certainly need to contribute several thousand dollars to the bill. Most rehabs will allow for financing, if upfront payments are a challenge.

What do you get for the money?

Thinking about 20k or more for a month's treatment can be a bit unsettling, shocking even! So what can you expect in return?

• Intensive private therapy
• Medications when necessary
• Peripheral programs such as massage, yoga and meditation
• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture
• Small group therapy sessions
• Extensive facilities (gyms, pools, recreation)
• Fine dining
• Luxurious accommodation
• Long term aftercare

It might not work. Is it worth it?

There are no guarantees. You might go through treatment, and find that after a few months (or even weeks) you're back where you started, using again.

There are no perfect solutions, and addiction is tough to beat - but there is nothing more effective than the intensity of residential drug or alcohol treatment. There are no guarantees, but drug rehab is the best we've got, and it offers you the best chance of success.

And although entering into rehab is rarely a financial decision, when most people factor in the costs of their continuing drug or alcohol use, the professional (career) costs of a drug or drinking problem, and the high healthcare costs sure to come if things don't change, getting clean and sober always makes financial sense, at any price.

Getting help takes courage, getting better takes work – but it's always worth it in the end.