Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed 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 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 unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofapproaching a severe substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehabilitation facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the person has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehabilitation centers are an excellent choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of factors unique to their situation that need to 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 facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

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 factors 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 many drug and alcohol rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehab programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide 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.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for addiction at a variety of substance abuse rehab centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.