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 performed 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 serious 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.

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 participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program where the individual is required to remain at the rehab facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide further support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.