Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done 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 stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial 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 concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is usually the first step in getting off drugs. It enables a person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are diverse types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that many addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is rarely the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is always recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to find out the root of why someone was using drugs in the first place.

Drug rehab services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program where the person is expected to remain at the rehab center until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish 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 individuals with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

Whether it is evident 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 rehab programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are several concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This specific 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women typically 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 understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug 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 treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug rehab program 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 women with addiction problems 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 and alcohol rehab programs made specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction treatment programs. This treatment 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. Addiction recovery is a difficult 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 endurable.

Self payment drug rehabilitation programs are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug or alcohol treatment program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug treatment facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding rehab options and payment options.