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.

Drug rehabilitation programs 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 rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility offers 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 person is required to remain at the rehabilitation program until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare program which will provide additional support and therapy 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 drugs and alcohol, 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 immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug rehab facilities for adolescents available 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 if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol rehab facilities across the nation 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 individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment facility 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 women with addiction problems 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 retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers created exclusively for men are rising up across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities 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 programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This recovery option is ideally suited 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 a great 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 specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehab center or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide 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 sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are many drug rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehab programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem 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 Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a variety of substance abuse rehabilitation centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.