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.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehab, and there are many drug treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, typically 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 a Medicaid rehab program.

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they do not qualify for Medicaid. Some states however offer affordable health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will in some cases cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug rehab programs around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient drug rehab providers. To find out which rehabilitation programs will accept state financed insurance, speak with a drug and alcohol treatment specialist.

Paying for drug rehab can be a problem, because typically all resources have been exhausted due to their drug habit. Many drug rehab facilities understand this reality which is why many drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country 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 rehabilitation programs would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those that need addiction help can receive the help they need.

Many drug rehab facilities in the United States offer payment assistance to people having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a rehabilitation facility which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would provide them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab center to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehabilitation facilities 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 often work with the individual to find an equivalent or comparable treatment program which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the rehabilitation they so desperately need.