Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically attend 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 especially helpful in handling 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 focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

A halfway house is a transitional living facility where an individual who is trying to recover from alcohol or drug addiction can find support and re-acclimate to life and society. A halfway house is a place where someone can feel secure and repair their life while recovering from addiction while also participate in clean and sober, productive activities. Halfway houses supply an ideal opportunity for recovering addicts to be in an environment where they can receive further counseling and different types of therapy while also learning new trades or obtaining stable employment so that they can support a healthy and productive, drug-free life.

Drug rehabilitation programs which are delivered 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 center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Attending a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of substance abuse treatment program is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug treatment programs are a perfect choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab facility in search of 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 needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers 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 resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers created specifically 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 developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction rehabilitation facilities. This rehabilitation 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 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 bearable and successful.