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.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient treatment program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation center where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, 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 conditions 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 alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab program receiving help for severe addiction problems. Often people 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 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 rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol treatment facilities across the nation which understand 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 atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident 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 rehabilitation 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 affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are numerous concerns unique to their situation that should 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 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 specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation 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 treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than that of males. In a drug treatment center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 women with addiction problems report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities designed solely for men are popping up across the country. Although programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This treatment option is ideally 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 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.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol rehabilitation because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse treatment center or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug treatment 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 long-term residential transitional living program.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 needed. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment drug rehab centers are an excellent alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are able to attend 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 or alcohol treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse treatment center and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.