Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of different 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 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 especially beneficial 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 various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate 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 normally the first step in getting off drugs. It permits a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that quite a few addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which should be supervised by addiction professionals within a drug rehabilitation program who recognize how difficult and challenging methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detox is known to be far more serious in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and individuals frequently revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to relieve symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification must only be done under strict supervision at a drug treatment facility which has experience in handling this type of detox, and where the person can receive additional treatment services to address all addiction issues.

Drug treatment programs which are provided 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 and alcohol treatment facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive 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 several factors 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 recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Self payment substance abuse rehab programs are an excellent alternative to other types of rehabilitation facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People 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. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug treatment center and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are many drug treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug rehabilitation programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of such a program.

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they do not qualify for Medicaid. Some states however offer affordable health insurance to those who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will sometimes cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug and alcohol rehab facilities around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient drug rehab services. To find out which rehab facilities will accept state financed insurance, consult a substance abuse treatment advisor.