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.

Drug rehabilitation programs which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment facility. An outpatient substance abuse treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab center where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the rehab facility until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to drugs and alcohol, parents need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any suspicion that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug and alcohol treatment facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health conditions in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility receiving help for severe addiction issues. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehabilitation centers that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide 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 overcome 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 environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug treatment facilities across the nation which understand 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 helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass a significant 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 facilities 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 affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are several factors unique to their situation that need to 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 typically 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 rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug treatment facility 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 sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug treatment programs made exclusively for men are popping up across the country. While programs that treat both men and women are still 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 individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehabilitation programs. This recovery option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to enroll in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These group meetings are usually held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse rehabilitation because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse treatment facility or recovery program. The first step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Self payment drug and alcohol treatment programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehab 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 treatment program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug or alcohol treatment center and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding rehab options and payment methods.