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.

Rehabilitation 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 treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehabilitation facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal conflicts 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 rehabilitation centers made exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction rehab centers. This recovery option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible 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 individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab centers available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug rehab facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehab facilities are capable of providing 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 care needed for Spanish speaking individuals.