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.

Criminal justice clients often need drug treatment because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive 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.

Self payment substance abuse treatment facilities are a great alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are able to attend 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. In order to learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug treatment facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment methods.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug and alcohol rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply 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 reap the full rewards of a Medicaid rehab program.

Paying for drug rehabilitation can be a challenge, as all resources have been exhausted because of their drug habit. Many drug treatment facilities understand this fact which is why many drug treatment facilities around the country provide payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are several factors put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug rehab facilities would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can receive the help they need.