Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range 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 person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful in resolving more serious 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 focus 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.

Detoxification is generally the first step in getting off drugs. It allows a person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A frequent mistake that quite a few addicts make is to believe that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to discover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs 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 program. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers 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 person is expected to remain at the rehab center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that commonly includes a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is the best way ofaddressing a severe substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehab program is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the treatment center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehab facilities are an excellent choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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 disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug treatment center receiving help for serious addiction issues. Often people 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 should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug rehabilitation 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 recovery 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 obtainable at certain drug rehab programs across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed 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 rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal conflicts 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 delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities made specifically for men are popping up across the nation. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are providing programs intended 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction 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 bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are usually required to participate in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution 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 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 considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse rehab program.