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.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the addicted individual 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 client undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually incorporates 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 everyday life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases 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 ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehabilitation center in search of help for severe addiction problems. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or participating 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 person. Substance abuse treatment facilities that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide 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 once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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 individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 treatment programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are a number of factors unique to their situation that should be addressed. This distinct group of addicted persons faces not only the personal shame of their addiction but also the reality of what their unhealthy choices may have caused their children. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal conflicts that led to her substance 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 retaliation.

Drug rehabilitation programs created exclusively for men are popping up across the country. Although programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers 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 facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehab facilities. This rehabilitation option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing 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 good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehab facility or recovery program. The initial 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 treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.