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.

Detoxification is usually the initial step in getting off drugs. It enables a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that a lot of addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to discover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a process which must be overseen by substance abuse professionals within a drug rehabilitation facility who recognize how difficult and challenging methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detox is regarded to be far more serious in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users often revert back to methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to relieve symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification should only be done under close supervision at a drug rehabilitation program which has experience in handling this type of detox, and where the person can receive additional rehabilitation services to handle all addiction issues.

Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the person is expected to stay and reside at the treatment center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are numerous issues unique to their situation that must be addressed. This particular 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. Recovery 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 lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Self payment substance abuse rehab programs are a great alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. 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 or alcohol rehab program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehab program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

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 including whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug treatment, and there are many drug rehabilitation programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide 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 a Medicaid rehab program.

Military health insurance usually relates to TRICARE and is a commonly recognized insurance for particular drug treatment programs. A drug rehab that accepts military insurance will generally accept most other types of insurance as well. TRICARE usually covers detoxification, rehabilitation and outpatient treatment.