Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range 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 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 particularly 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 focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug rehab services which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient substance abuse treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the person is required to remain at the rehab center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Attending 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 treatment program is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like atmosphere the person has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab programs are a perfect choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers designed exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. Although rehab facilities that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs intended 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 are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction treatment centers. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing 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 a good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are considered to be low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These group 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 treatment program.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol treatment 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 adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation 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 long-term residential transitional living program.