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 done on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person 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 unique circumstances which can be different for each individual. 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 rehab services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where the person is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to individuals 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 assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug treatment, and there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of a Medicaid rehab program.