Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual 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 resolving more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the person is expected to remain at the rehabilitation program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment program in search of help for serious addiction problems. Often individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to 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 should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug rehab facilities 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 resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs designed 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 rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 ridicule.

Many substance abuse rehab programs in the United States offer payment assistance to people having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a rehabilitation facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will supply them the best results. The addicted person can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehab program to find out what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug treatment facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the individual to find an equivalent or comparable rehab program which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.