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

Drug or alcohol treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment center where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab facility until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health conditions in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health issues off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a significant percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug rehabilitation facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Paying for drug treatment can be a challenge, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug rehab programs fully grasp this reality which is why many drug and alcohol treatment programs across the nation provide payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are many factors 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 rehab programs would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can receive the help they need.

Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in the United States offer payment assistance to men and women suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of treatment can select a treatment facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will supply them the best results. The addicted individual can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol treatment program to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol treatment programs are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the person to find an equivalent or comparable rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can acquire the help they so desperately need.