Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out 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 different circumstances which can be different for each person. 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 or alcohol rehabilitation services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment program where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the treatment facility until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug 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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health conditions 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 problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehabilitation facilities 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 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 apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 treatment programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 seek treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are numerous concerns unique to their situation that should be addressed. This specific 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 recovery plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery 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 rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug treatment facilities designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating programs designed to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This rehabilitation option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable among others 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 good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab facilities are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehab center and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment methods.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are many drug rehabilitation facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full rewards of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for addiction at a wide variety of drug rehabilitation centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, and seniors who wish to receive help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they do not qualify for Medicaid. Some states however offer state financed health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance plans. State financed health insurance programs will sometimes cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient substance abuse rehab providers. To find out which treatment programs will accept state financed insurance, speak with a substance abuse treatment specialist.