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.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the person is required to stay and reside at the treatment program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the person will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically 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 scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a severe substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse rehab facility is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery 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 treatment facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment programs are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab program in search of help for serious addiction problems. 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 participating 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. Substance abuse rehab centers 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 recovery are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are numerous concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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 programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although 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 rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab programs created 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 rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues 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.

Although residential beds for clients children is not as prevalent as other specialized types of addiction treatment 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 centers provided beds for both mothers and their children. There is a great benefit to both the mother and child who are able to attend recovery programs that provide residential beds for clients children. The parent is able to receive the drug addiction treatment they need while remaining involved with their children through the treatment process of substance abuse recovery. A lot of parents (mothers in particular) are afraid to admit that they need help with their substance abuse problemsfor fear that their children will be taken from them. Rehab facilities providing residential beds for clients children help to alleviate this fear while supplying the proper care that both mother and child so desperately need.

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

Many substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in the United States offer payment assistance to people suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a rehabilitation program which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would offer them the best results. The addicted individual can then talk to one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab center to find out what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug treatment programs are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will usually work with the individual to locate an equivalent or similar rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the rehabilitation they so desperately need.