Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial in handling more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofresolving a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehabilitation facility is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like setting the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehabilitation centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of such a program.