Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful 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 various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are a number of concerns unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This specific group of addicted persons faces not only the personal shame of their addiction but also the reality of what their unhealthy choices may have caused their children. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal conflicts that led to her drug abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of drug abusing women report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Self payment drug treatment programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of treatment programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug or alcohol rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug rehab facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment options.

When an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, there are many effective drug or alcohol rehab programs accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug or alcohol rehab facilities which require an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These treatment programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those clients who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to paying for a drug rehabilitation facility. For additional information, consult with a treatment professional at a drug or alcohol rehab facility in your area to see which services your private health insurance will cover.

Paying for drug treatment can be a challenge, because typically all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug rehab facilities fully grasp this fact which is why many drug and alcohol rehab facilities across the nation provide payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are many 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 that need addiction help can receive the help they need.