Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done 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 different circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is normally the first step in getting off drugs. It makes it possible for a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that quite a few addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is rarely the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to discover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab program. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab center where the individual is expected to remain at the rehab center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems 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 healthy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehab center in search of help for serious addiction issues. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug and alcohol rehab programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug and alcohol treatment programs across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find treatment before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are numerous issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This particular group of addicted persons faces not only the personal shame of their addiction but also the reality of what their unhealthy choices may have caused their children. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her drug abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of drug abusing women report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities designed solely for men are popping up across the country. While programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehab programs. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse treatment due to problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehab program or recovery program. The first step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished 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 and alcohol rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes required. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Those who speak other languages, other than English that is, should be able to receive substance abuse rehabilitation which is on par with English speakers. Those who speak other languages should not feel that their treatment opportunities are limited or inferior because they don't speak English. There are many substance abuse treatment programs available which cater to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide a selection of programs to choose from. For example, some drug rehab programs which provide services for individuals who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, but there are more long term options available. Foreign language speakers can consult with a treatment professional in their area to choose a drug treatment facility which would be suitable to their needs.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors including whether or not the person 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 rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of such a program.