Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out 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 beneficial 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 different circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the individual will stay 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 person 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 individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a severe substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse treatment facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehab center 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 or alcohol rehab programs are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

Drug treatment programs designed exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities 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 needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug rehab centers. This recovery option is ideal 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 a good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients often need drug treatment due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment center or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum 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 long-term residential transitional living program.