Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety 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 person will typically receive 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 especially 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a severe substance abuse problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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. Choosing a residential long-term rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the treatment center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like atmosphere the person has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab facilities are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals 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 differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab program in search of help for serious addiction problems. Sometimes people 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 becoming involved 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 individual. Drug rehab programs 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 distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs across the nation which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment 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 treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous issues unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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 typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration 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 run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation 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 programs 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 rehabilitation program 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 drug abusing women 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 ridicule.

Criminal justice clients often need drug treatment because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their substance abuse rehabilitation 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.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into substance abuse rehab facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many substance abuse rehabilitation programs are prepared to deliver treatment services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and therapy needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Many substance abuse rehabilitation facilities 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 rehabilitation can choose a treatment facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program will offer them the best results. The addicted person can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab facility to discuss what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehabilitation programs 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 typically work with the individual to find an equivalent or similar rehab program which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the help they so desperately need.