Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct 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 individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial in resolving more severe 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 underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Detoxification is generally the 1st step in getting off drugs. It allows a person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A widespread mistake that many addicts make is to believe that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get a person through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to find out the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol treatment services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents must take every step possible to help their child before it is too late. Any suspicion that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, 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 person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab program receiving help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes to inject drugs or participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities 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 rehabilitation are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment 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 due to their sexual preference.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab facilities available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug rehab programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full rewards of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for drug or alcohol addiction at a variety of substance abuse rehab facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.