Paying for drug or alcohol treatment can be a problem, because typically all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug treatment programs understand this fact which is why many drug treatment facilities around the country offer payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are various 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 and alcohol rehabilitation programs would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can receive the help they need.