Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically attend 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 serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug rehab programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment program where the person is required to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare 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 recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs created exclusively for men are popping up across the country. Although programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating programs intended 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. While these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction rehab facilities. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients often need substance abuse rehabilitation 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 drug treatment program or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse treatment while they are incarcerated. For the best possible 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.