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.

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

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehab programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of such a program.

Paying for drug rehab can be a challenge, because typically all resources have been exhausted due to the persons drug habit. Many drug treatment facilities fully grasp this fact which is why many drug and alcohol rehab programs across the nation offer payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are various 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 treatment facilities would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can receive the help they need.