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.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents must take every step possible to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health problems 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 happy.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This distinct 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 programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

DUI/DWI offenders are usually required to attend a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are considered to be low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These group meetings are usually held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse treatment program.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehab program or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their substance abuse treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab facilities available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehab facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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 substance abuse treatment program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding rehab options and payment methods.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly 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 treatment, and there are many drug and alcohol treatment facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 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.

If an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, many effective substance abuse rehab programs accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term programs accept private health insurance, far more effective drug treatment centers which provide an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those individuals who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to attending a drug or alcohol rehab program. For additional information, consult with a treatment professional at a substance abuse treatment program in your area to find out which services your private health insurance will cover.

Paying for drug rehab can be a problem, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons addiction. Many drug treatment programs recognize this reality which is why many drug 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 prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can get the help they need.