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.

Detoxification is normally the first step in getting off drugs. It permits 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. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A widespread mistake that a lot of addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is almost never the case. All detox does is get somebody 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 uncover the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which must be overseen by substance abuse professionals within a drug treatment program who recognize how difficult and challenging methadone detox can be. Methadone detox is known to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users frequently revert back to methadone to relieve withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to alleviate symptoms. This is why methadone detox must only be done under strict supervision at a drug rehabilitation facility which has experience in handling this type of detoxification, and where the person can receive additional rehabilitation services to deal with all addiction issues.

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

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation 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 person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab program in search of help for serious addiction problems. Often people 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Substance abuse rehabilitation programs 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 conquer their addiction once and for all.

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 treatment facilities 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 affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are a number of factors unique to their situation that must 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery 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 rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery 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 rehab programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave 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 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation programs designed solely for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehabilitation facilities. This treatment option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing 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 very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are a great alternative to other types of treatment programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. Individuals who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug rehabilitation program. To learn more about self payment programs, contact a substance abuse rehab facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of programs so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment options.