Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial in resolving more severe 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation program. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the person is expected to remain at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehab programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of such a program.

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they fail to meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Some states however offer affordable health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will sometimes cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment providers. To find out which rehabilitation facilities will accept state financed insurance, consult a substance abuse treatment specialist.