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.

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

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment program receiving 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 syringes to inject drugs or becoming involved 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. Drug 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 alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction once and for all.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This distinct 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 recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular 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.

Self payment drug rehab facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug rehab facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment options.