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.

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 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 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 instances of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofapproaching a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehab facility is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehabilitation facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab programs 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 address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health problems 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 healthy.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug 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 atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate 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 rehab 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 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 substance abuse treatment there are a number of factors unique to their situation that should be addressed. This particular 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 typically requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular 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.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab centers 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 or alcohol rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her substance 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

While residential beds for clients children is not as common as other specialized types of drug rehabilitation centers, they do, in fact, exist if you are in need. Back in 2007, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services reported that 515 (14%) of residential substance abuse treatment programs offered beds for both mothers and their children. There is a great advantage to both the mother and child who are able to attend programs that provide residential beds for clients children. The mother is able to receive the rehabilitation they need while remaining involved with their children through the treatment process of substance abuse recovery. Many parents (mothers in specific) do not want to admit that they need help with their addiction problemsbecause they fear that their children will be taken from them. Rehab facilities providing residential beds for clients children help to alleviate this fear while providing the care that both mother and child so desperately need.

Criminal justice clients typically 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 performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out 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. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their substance abuse 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 a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes required. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehabilitation programs available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Many substance abuse rehab programs in the United States offer payment assistance to people having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of treatment can select a treatment program which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will provide them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol treatment center to discuss what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehab facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will often work with the person to find an equivalent or comparable rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.