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 done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful in resolving more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation services which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility delivers 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 expected to stay and reside at the treatment facility until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also available for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

It is an unfortunate 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 help their child before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug rehab programs for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 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 environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehab facilities around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter 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 environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to 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 and alcohol rehabilitation programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment 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 occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This particular 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 program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities 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 difficult 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 typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehab program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities designed exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction rehabilitation programs. This rehabilitation option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing 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 an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehab facility or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a therapeutic community.

Native Americans and Alaska Natives have much higher rates of abuse and addiction than other ethnicities, a circumstance which must be addressed for these cultures to survive. In fact, Native American and Alaska youth have some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the country. Though the reasons may vary from person to person, most of the reasons for the high rates of substance abuse among Native American and Alaska natives are cultural ones. The most obvious obstacles to treating Native Americans and Alaska Natives for substance abuse are language and culture differences. This is why it is crucial that Native Americans and Alaska Natives receive substance abuse treatment in a drug rehab program that is specifically catered to this ethnic group, but most importantly in one that can provide treatment and therapy in the Native American or Alaska Native languages.

Many substance abuse rehab facilities in the United States offer payment assistance to people suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of treatment can choose a treatment program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would supply them the best results. The addicted person can then talk to one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehab facility to discuss what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehabilitation centers are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will often work with the person to find an equivalent or similar rehabilitation program which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.