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.

Detoxification is usually the very first step in getting off drugs. It makes it possible for a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are diverse types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A widespread mistake that a lot of addicts make is to assume that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get a person through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

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

Drug rehabilitation programs which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse rehab facility offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program where the individual is required to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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 problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab program 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 becoming involved 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 person. Substance abuse 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 rehabilitation are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol treatment programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate 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 rehab programs 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are a number of concerns unique to their situation that need to 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 particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her substance 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 ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs made specifically for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. This treatment option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those 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 good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation due to problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The first step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain 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.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are a great alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehab 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 programs, make contact with a drug or alcohol treatment facility and ask about their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment methods.