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.

A halfway house is a transitional living facility where an individual who is recovering from drug or alcohol addiction can stabilize and re-adjust to life and society. A halfway house is a location where someone can feel secure and repair their life while maintaining sobriety while also participate in clean and sober, productive activities. Halfway houses are an ideal opportunity for individuals to be in a setting where they can receive additional counseling and different types of therapy while also learning new trades or discovering stable employment so that they can support a healthy and drug free lifestyle.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically requires a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually includes 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 daily life once treatment 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 ofaddressing a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of substance abuse rehab facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the treatment center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like setting the individual has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab facilities 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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment 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 disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

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 and alcohol treatment centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.