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.

Drug or alcohol rehab services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehabilitation program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation facility where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the person will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically incorporates a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

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

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

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted 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 or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum 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.