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.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is the best way ofaddressing a severe substance abuse problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term rehabilitation 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 atmosphere the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehabilitation centers are a perfect 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 address both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab facility in search of help for severe 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 needles 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 treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehabilitation programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer 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.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 rehab programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment 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. 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 particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates 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.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues that led to her drug 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Criminal justice clients often need substance abuse 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 performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, 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 once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

People can become addicted to drugs 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 various challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 required. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab centers available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment substance abuse treatment centers are a great alternative to other types of rehab facilities 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 substance abuse rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a substance abuse rehabilitation program and ask about their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.