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.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to drugs and alcohol, parents must take every step possible to help their child before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug treatment facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug rehabilitation due to problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug treatment program or recovery program. The first step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are a lot of drug rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug treatment 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. Individuals 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 a Medicaid rehab program.