Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, where the person 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 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 various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus 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 or alcohol treatment 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 treatment facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 happy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug treatment facility receiving help for severe addiction issues. Often individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of 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 treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug treatment programs 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 rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol treatment programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter 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 atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 and alcohol rehabilitation centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. 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 treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Recovery 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 facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab 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 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug rehab programs designed exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. Although programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed 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 facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction treatment facilities. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those 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 an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to attend a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These meetings are often held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse treatment program.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol treatment while they are incarcerated. For the best possible 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 therapeutic community.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for addiction at a variety of drug rehabilitation programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

Paying for drug treatment can be a problem, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons addiction. Many drug treatment facilities understand this reality which is why many drug rehab facilities around the country offer payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are various variables put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug rehabilitation facilities would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can acquire the help they need.