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.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug treatment facility in search of help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals 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 becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Substance abuse treatment programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique 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 treatment programs around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are a number of factors unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This specific 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 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.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave 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 conflicts that led to her substance 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 retaliation.

Drug rehab programs designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs designed 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction treatment centers. This recovery option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues 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 receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into drug treatment facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug treatment facilities are prepared to deliver services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking people.

Individuals who speak other languages, other than English that is, should receive drug or alcohol treatment which is on par with English speakers. Speakers of other languages should not feel that their treatment opportunities are limited or inferior because they don't speak English. There are quite a few substance abuse treatment facilities available which cater to those who speak foreign languages, all of which offer a selection of programs to choose from. For example, some drug rehab programs which cater to people who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, but there are more long term options available. Foreign language speakers should consult with an addiction professional in their area to choose a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility which would be suitable to their needs.

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

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

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