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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type oftreatment program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in 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 person to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a serious drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug rehabilitation 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 reside at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the person has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates 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 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 individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Recovery from drug 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 centers designed 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 treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal issues 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 retaliation.

Drug rehab programs made solely for men are popping up across the country. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.