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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the client 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 rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios 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 program (more than 30 days) is the best way ofresolving a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug treatment centers are a perfect choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.