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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually requires a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that typically includes a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed 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 drugs and alcohol, parents need to 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 as well as for the family. There are drug rehabilitation facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on staff that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab facility 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 syringes 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. Drug and alcohol rehab centers 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 alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction once and for all.

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 available at certain drug and alcohol rehab programs across the nation which recognize 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, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are numerous concerns unique to their situation that need to 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment 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 rehab facilities 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 help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs made solely for men are rising up across the nation. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction rehab centers. This recovery option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

While residential beds for clients children is not as prevalent as other specialized types of drug rehab programs, they are possible to find if you are in need. Back in 2007, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services documented that 515 (14%) of residential substance abuse treatment centers provided beds for both mothers and their children. There is a great benefit to both the mother and child who are able to attend programs that offer residential beds for clients children. The mother is able to receive the rehabilitation they need while remaining involved with their children through the difficult process of addiction recovery. Many parents (mothers in particular) are afraid to admit that they need help with their addiction issuesbecause they fear that their children will be taken away. These programs help to alleviate this fear while offering the care that both parent and child so desperately need.

DUI/DWI offenders are usually required to participate in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage 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 considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol treatment 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 performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug treatment program or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse rehabilitation 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 a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.