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.

Hospital inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is done in a hospital or similar setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may encounter the onset of life threatening withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which must be monitored very carefully by medical professionals to minimize ant dangerous health complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to individuals who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with individuals who are addicted to opiates and wish to use this type of detoxification technique to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not considered full rehabilitation and these individuals will require further counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type oftreatment program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually incorporates 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 cases of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofresolving a serious drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug 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. Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay 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 counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehabilitation centers are a perfect 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 an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced 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 alcohol and drugs, parents need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any indication that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol treatment facilities for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehabilitation program in search of help for serious addiction issues. Sometimes 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug and alcohol treatment 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 recovery are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug treatment facilities around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 programs 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of issues unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This particular 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 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 recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

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 created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. 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 drug 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers made solely for men are emerging across the country. Although programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug treatment facilities. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehab center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

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

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab programs are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. Individuals who are capable of attending 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 drug rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug rehab program 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.

If an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, many effective substance abuse treatment programs accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug treatment facilities which require an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These treatment programs which accept private health insurance can differ in terms of treatment curriculum, but those clients who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to paying for a drug or alcohol rehab facility. For additional information, consult with an addiction specialist at a substance abuse rehab facility in your area to find out which services your private health insurance will cover.