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 attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay 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 various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Recovery from drug or alcohol 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 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 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 women with addiction problems 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 rehab programs designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction rehabilitation centers. This treatment option is best suited 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 challenging 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.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs 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 difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people 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 rehabilitation centers available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.