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.

Drug rehabilitation services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the rehab center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.