Paying for drug or alcohol treatment can be a problem, because typically all resources have been exhausted due to their addiction. Many drug treatment programs fully grasp this fact which is why many drug rehabilitation programs across the nation offer payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are several variables put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug treatment programs would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those that need addiction help can acquire the help they need.