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.

Detoxification is usually the very first step in getting off drugs. It allows an individual to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A prevalent mistake that a lot of addicts make is to feel that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get an individual 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 find out the root of why someone was using drugs in the first place.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety oftreatment program where the addicted individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in daily life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a serious drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation program 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 rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like setting the person has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehab facilities are an excellent 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 handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 people with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment facility in search of help for serious 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug and alcohol 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 rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction once and for all.

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 rehabilitation programs across the nation which understand 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, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 and alcohol treatment programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are a number of concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This particular 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 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 can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehab program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal conflicts 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 and alcohol rehabilitation centers designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug 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. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction rehab programs. 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 good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment due to problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehab center or recovery program. The first step is to establish 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. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol 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.