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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the person will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that usually includes a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol treatment facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for drug or alcohol addiction at a variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

Some individuals are covered through state financed insurance because they fail to meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Some states however offer state financed health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will in some cases cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug and alcohol treatment centers around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient drug rehabilitation providers. To find out which rehabilitation facilities will accept state financed insurance, speak with a drug treatment advisor.