Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in 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 beneficial 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 various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug treatment services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient drug treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse rehabilitation because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug treatment 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.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into substance abuse rehab facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a widespread language in this country, many drug treatment programs are capable of providing services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

Self payment drug treatment facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are capable of attending 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 treatment program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug rehab program and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea 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 circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are many drug rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide 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 explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.