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 performed 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 concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Detoxification is typically the first step in getting off drugs. It permits a 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 frequent mistake that a lot of addicts make is to feel that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is almost never the case. All detox does is get someone through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which should be supervised by drug addiction professionals within a drug treatment center who realize how challenging and difficult methadone detox can be. Methadone detox is regarded to be far more serious in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and individuals frequently revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to relieve symptoms. This is why methadone detox must only be done under close supervision at a drug treatment facility which has practical experience in dealing with this type of detox, and where the individual can receive further treatment services to deal with all addiction issues.

Drug or alcohol treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient substance abuse rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment program where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the treatment center until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health disorders 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are several concerns 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 recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays 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.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab facilities designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehab 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 substance 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities made exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be 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 personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug treatment programs. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Self payment drug and alcohol treatment centers are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment programs, contact a substance abuse treatment center and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment methods.