Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out 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 stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol rehab services which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab program where the individual is required to remain at the rehabilitation facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to attend a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation 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 often 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 rehab program.

Self payment drug treatment facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. 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 drug or alcohol treatment program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

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