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.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment center receiving help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals 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 should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol treatment 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 overcome their addiction once and for all.

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

Whether it is evident 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 seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are several concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays 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 a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab facilities 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 rehab program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues that led to her substance abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of drug abusing women report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities designed solely for men are popping up across the country. While programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating 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 may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction treatment programs. This recovery option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those 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 a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to participate in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These group meetings are typically held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or alcohol rehab program.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug rehabilitation because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse 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 substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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 long-term residential transitional living program.