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.

Hospital inpatient drug or alcohol treatment is performed in a hospital or similar setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the client may experience the onset of life threatening withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes the case when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which must be supervised very carefully by medical professionals to minimize ant dangerous health complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to those who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detoxification approach to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detox is not treatment in itself however, and these people will need additional counseling and therapy to entirely recover from addiction.

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

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person 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 to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofresolving a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehab 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. Attending a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehabilitation facility 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 rehabilitation programs are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

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

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

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehabilitation programs around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. 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 environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

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 rehab programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 find treatment before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are numerous 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 recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular 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 run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment program 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 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.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs created exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction treatment facilities. This recovery option is best suited 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 challenging 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 rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted 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. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people 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 need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehabilitation centers available which provide these services. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.