Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. 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 person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful in handling more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is generally the first step in getting off drugs. It enables a person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that a lot of addicts make is to assume that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is almost never the case. All detox does is get a person 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 discover the root of why a person was using drugs in the first place.

Hospital inpatient substance abuse treatment is done in a hospital setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the client may experience the onset of medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which should be supervised very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also administered to those who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with individuals who are addicted to opiates and wish to use this type of detoxification approach to manage the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not treatment in itself however, and these people will need additional counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically requires a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but short duration 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 rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehab programs 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, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment 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 seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are several factors unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This particular 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 treatment plan. While the program duration 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 a successful recovery. Many programs 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 centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues that led to her substance 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 retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs designed solely for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are providing programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. This rehabilitation option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

People can become addicted to drugs 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 varying challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment substance abuse treatment centers are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehab 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 rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse rehabilitation facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.

When somebody is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is looking for help, there are many effective substance abuse rehab facilities accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug rehab facilities which require an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These treatment programs which accept private health insurance can differ in terms of treatment curriculum, but those people who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to paying for a drug or alcohol treatment program. For more information, speak with with an addiction specialist at a drug rehab program in your area to see which services your private health insurance will cover.