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.

Detoxification is commonly the very first step in getting off drugs. It enables a particular person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are diverse types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A widespread mistake that quite a few addicts make is to believe that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get someone through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug rehabilitation services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient treatment center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a type ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofresolving a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehabilitation program is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the treatment center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like atmosphere the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment facilities are an excellent choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents need to take every step possible to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug treatment facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, 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 individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment center in search of help for severe addiction issues. Often individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to 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 person. Drug and alcohol rehab centers 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 unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol rehab programs across the nation which recognize 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 beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting 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 considerable 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 problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Recovery from drug or alcohol 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 facilities 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 or alcohol rehab center 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 drug 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers created exclusively for men are popping up across the country. While rehab programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating programs intended to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab centers. This recovery option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment substance abuse rehab centers are a great alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People 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 treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.