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.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the person will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

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

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal issues 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug rehabilitation programs designed specifically for men are emerging across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs designed 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug treatment centers. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the United States offer payment assistance to people suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of rehabilitation can select a treatment program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would offer them the best results. The addicted person can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehab facilities 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 usually work with the individual 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 rehabilitation they so desperately need.