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.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofresolving a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the treatment facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment programs are a perfect choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse 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 if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health conditions 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs made exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. While programs that treat 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 centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug rehabilitation centers. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol treatment because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse 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 sober living or a therapeutic community.