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 performed on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in 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 helpful 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 focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Hospital inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation is performed in a hospital setting and is overseen by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may experience the onset of medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which should be monitored very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also administered to those who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detoxification technique to avoid the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detox is not considered full rehabilitation and these individuals will need further counseling and therapy to entirely recover from addiction.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a serious substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse treatment 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 live at the rehab center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like setting the person has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehab programs are an ideal 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 to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs 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 beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several issues 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular 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 can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment facilities designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal conflicts that led to her substance 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.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab center or recovery program. The initial 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 treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

Self payment drug rehab programs are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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 or alcohol rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug treatment program and ask about their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several programs so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.

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