Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in 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 beneficial in handling more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a severe substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse rehab program is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab center receiving help for serious addiction issues. Sometimes individuals 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol rehab facilities 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 treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehabilitation 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 individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This specific 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Although residential beds for clients children is not as common as other specialized types of drug rehabilitation centers, they do, in fact, exist if you are in need. Back in 2007, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services reported that 515 (14%) of residential substance abuse treatment programs supplied beds for both mothers and their children. There is a great benefit to both the mother and child who are able to enroll in recovery programs that provide residential beds for clients children. The mother is able to receive the drug addiction treatment they need while remaining close with their children through the treatment process of addiction recovery. Many parents (mothers in particular) do not want to admit that they need help with their addiction issuesbecause they fear that their children will be taken away. These programs help to alleviate this fear while supplying the care that both parent and child so desperately need.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug or alcohol treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab program or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug 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.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug treatment, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehab 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 reap the full benefits of such a program.

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