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.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

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 and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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 handling this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health disorders 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 problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehabilitation program receiving help for serious addiction problems. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes to inject drugs or participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug treatment programs 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 recovery are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Whether it is evident 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 rehab centers 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 find treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are numerous concerns unique to their situation that need to 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab facilities designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 women with addiction problems 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 ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs designed exclusively for men are popping 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 providing programs designed to help a specific 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 rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab facilities. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues 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 receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment facility or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment 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 therapeutic community.