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.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction treatment center receiving help for severe addiction issues. Sometimes people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes 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 treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol treatment facilities that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are resolved so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 and alcohol rehab programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 seek treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are a number of factors unique to their situation that should 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. 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 specific needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation 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 much different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol 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 drug 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities created specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction treatment facilities. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult 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.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into substance abuse rehabilitation facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a widespread language in this country, many substance abuse rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing services to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Paying for drug or alcohol rehab can be a problem, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons addiction. Many drug treatment programs recognize this reality which is why many drug rehab programs around the country provide payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are many factors put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug rehab programs would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can receive the help they need.

Many drug and alcohol treatment programs in the United States offer payment assistance to individuals having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of treatment can select a treatment facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will offer them the best results. The addicted individual can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab program to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug treatment programs are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will usually work with the person to locate an equivalent or comparable rehab facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the rehabilitation they so desperately need.