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.

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

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health problems 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 mentally stable and productive.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehabilitation facilities around the country 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 person in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are a number of factors unique to their situation that should 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 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 a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab facilities created 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 or alcohol treatment program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues 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 retaliation.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for addiction at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who wish to receive help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.