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.

Drug treatment services which are delivered 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 program. 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 rehabilitation facility where the person is expected to remain at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction 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 people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab center in search of help for serious addiction issues. Often individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of 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 treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. 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 recovery are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol treatment facilities around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent 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 centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment 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 come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are several issues 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 often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays 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 a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction 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 rehabilitation facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share 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 delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers designed solely for men are popping up across the nation. Although rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to attend a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehab program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These meetings are often held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug treatment center or recovery program. The first step is to determine 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. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse treatment 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.

Self payment substance abuse treatment programs are a great alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse rehabilitation program and ask about their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several programs so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.