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.

Detoxification is usually the initial step in getting off drugs. It enables a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that a lot of addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often 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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment 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 rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal conflicts 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 retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities created solely for men are emerging across the country. Although programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs intended to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.