Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful 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 different 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 rehab programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation 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 or alcohol rehabilitation center where the person is expected to remain at the treatment facility until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction treatment facility in search of help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes people 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 participating 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 individual. Drug and alcohol treatment facilities that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide 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.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation facilities across the nation 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 individual 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 significant 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 rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous factors unique to their situation that must 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 typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug or alcohol 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 facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her drug 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 sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehab centers designed exclusively for men are rising up across the country. While rehab 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 centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug treatment facilities. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug or alcohol treatment 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 performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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 a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.