Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful 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 person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse treatment facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program where the person is expected to stay and reside at the treatment center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

People can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual'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 need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab programs available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment drug and alcohol treatment programs are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment 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 rehab program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse rehab program and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of programs so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

Some individuals are covered through state financed insurance because they fail to meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Some states however offer state financed 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 variety of drug rehab facilities around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both inpatient or outpatient drug rehabilitation services. To find out which treatment facilities will accept state financed insurance, speak with a substance abuse treatment specialist.