Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically receive 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 helpful in handling more serious 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 individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation program. An outpatient drug rehab program provides 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 stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to participate in a certain 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 meetings are typically 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 rehabilitation program.

Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the United States offer payment assistance to men and women struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of treatment can choose a rehab program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program will supply them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug treatment facility to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the individual to locate an equivalent or similar treatment facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the rehabilitation they so desperately need.