Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically receive 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 helpful 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 unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab facility where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare program which will offer further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to attend a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These meetings are often 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 considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or alcohol rehab program.

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