Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial in handling more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation services which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient substance abuse rehab facility offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment center where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents must take every step possible to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any suspicion that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehab programs for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age group.

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, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehabilitation center receiving help for severe addiction issues. 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 needles 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 individual. Substance abuse treatment centers 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 recovery are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug treatment facilities across the nation 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 beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several factors unique to their situation that should 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 facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through 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 sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse rehabilitation 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 adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab program or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug 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 long-term residential transitional living program.

People can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug treatment programs available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug rehab programs are capable of providing 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 support and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

People who speak other languages, other than English that is, should receive drug or alcohol rehabilitation which is on par with English speakers. Those who speak other languages should not feel that their treatment opportunities are limited or inferior because they don't speak English. There are many drug and alcohol treatment facilities available which provide services to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide a variety of programs to choose from. For example, some drug and alcohol rehab facilities which can treat individuals who speak other languages are only short term programs, and others are longer term programs. Foreign language speakers can seek the advice from an addiction professional in their area to choose a drug rehabilitation program which would be suitable to their needs.