Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. 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 individual to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial in handling 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 individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Drug or alcohol rehab services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug treatment facility offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program where the individual is required to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also available for individuals 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.

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 recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than their male counter parts. In a drug treatment center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug treatment centers created exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. While programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating 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 facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehab centers. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing 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 a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are usually required to attend a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehab program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed 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 often 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 considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or alcohol rehab program.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment program or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their substance abuse treatment 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.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug rehab programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a widespread language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing services to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and therapy needed for Spanish speaking people.