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.

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 alcohol and drugs, parents need to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any indication that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug rehabilitation programs for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehab 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 engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These group meetings are typically 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 assigned counseling or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Many drug rehabilitation centers in the United States offer payment assistance to individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of treatment can select a treatment program which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will provide them the best results. The addicted individual can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab program to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehab facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the person to find an equivalent or similar rehab program which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can acquire the help they so desperately need.