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.

Detoxification is generally the first step in getting off drugs. It enables a person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that a lot of addicts make is to think that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is rarely the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is at all times recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why someone was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a process which should be overseen by substance abuse professionals within a drug rehabilitation program who recognize how challenging and difficult methadone detox can be. Methadone detoxification is known to be far more serious in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users often revert back to methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to ease symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification must only be done under close supervision at a drug rehab 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 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 rehab facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

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 rehabilitation 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This specific 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 typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers created specifically for men are emerging across the country. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol rehab centers. This recovery option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing 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 endurable.

Individuals who speak other languages, other than English that is, should be able to receive substance abuse rehabilitation which is on par with English speakers. Those who speak other languages should not feel that their treatment curriculum or treatment setting is going to be any less effective because they don't speak English. There are quite a few drug treatment facilities available which provide services to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide a selection of programs to choose from. For example, some substance abuse treatment facilities which cater to individuals who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, and others are longer term programs. Foreign language speakers can consult with a treatment professional in their area to choose a drug rehabilitation program that provides rehabilitation services in their specific language.

Self payment drug rehabilitation facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People 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 drug treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding rehab options and payment options.