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.

Detoxification is generally the initial step in getting off drugs. It enables an individual to be in a supervised environment 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 typical mistake that many addicts make is to believe that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get somebody 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 someone was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which must be supervised by drug addiction professionals within a drug rehab center who realize how challenging and difficult methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detoxification is regarded to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users frequently revert back to methadone to relieve withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to ease symptoms. This is why methadone detox should only be done under strict supervision at a drug rehabilitation center which has practical experience in dealing with this type of detox, and where the person can receive further treatment services to handle all addiction issues.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program delivers 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 expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have already gone through 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.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab center receiving help for serious addiction problems. 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide 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 conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol treatment facilities across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate 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 and alcohol treatment centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. 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 treatment before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several issues unique to their situation that must 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 programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration 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 a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Rehabilitation from drug 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 rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 women with addiction problems report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation centers designed exclusively for men are rising up across the country. While rehab programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. This recovery 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 often need drug or alcohol treatment due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse 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 long-term residential transitional living program.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehabilitation centers available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment substance abuse rehabilitation programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehabilitation facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire treatment 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 drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse rehab facility 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 treatment options and payment options.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, 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 substance abuse rehabilitation programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and seniors who wish to receive help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.