Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done 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 individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial in resolving more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment program. An outpatient drug rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility where the individual is expected to remain at the treatment facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type oftreatment program where the person will reside 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 individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.