Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct 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 attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial in handling more serious 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 concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Detoxification is commonly the first step in getting off drugs. It enables a person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A widespread mistake that many addicts make is to assume that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get a person through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is at all times recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment program. An outpatient drug rehabilitation program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where the person is required to remain at the rehab center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 mentally stable and healthy.

Whether it is apparent 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 treatment facilities 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are a number of factors unique to their situation that must 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 programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. 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 a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues 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 delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehab facilities made solely for men are rising up across the country. While programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs intended to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab facilities. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug treatment programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug rehab programs are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and care needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Self payment drug rehabilitation facilities are an outstanding alternative to other types of treatment programs 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 rehabilitation program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a substance abuse treatment program and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are many drug treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of a Medicaid rehab program.

Paying for drug or alcohol treatment can be a challenge, because typically all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug rehab programs understand this reality which is why many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs around the country offer payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are several variables 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 rehabilitation programs would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can get the help they need.