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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that usually includes a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction 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 individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

Drug rehab centers made exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This rehabilitation option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging 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 bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to participate in 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 considered to be low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These meetings are typically 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 alcohol treatment program.

Criminal justice clients often need substance abuse rehabilitation because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehab facility or recovery program. The first step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug 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 sober living or a therapeutic community.