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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually requires a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that usually incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to drugs and alcohol, parents must be willing to do whatever it takes to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug rehabilitation facilities for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate 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 mentally stable and productive.

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 offered at certain drug and alcohol rehab facilities across the nation which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent 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 and alcohol treatment 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 rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are several issues 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal conflicts that led to her substance 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 rehab programs designed exclusively for men are emerging across the country. While rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs intended 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 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 rehabilitation option is ideal 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 bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation center or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol 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.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into substance abuse treatment facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug treatment programs are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

People who speak other languages, other than English that is, should be able to receive substance abuse rehabilitation which is on par with English speakers. Those who speak other languages should not feel that their treatment curriculum or treatment setting is going to be any less effective because they don't speak English. There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs available which provide services to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide various programs to choose from. For example, some drug and alcohol rehab facilities which can treat individuals who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, and others are longer term programs. Foreign language speakers should seek the advice from an addiction professional in their area to choose a drug treatment program that provides rehabilitation services in their specific language.