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.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the addicted individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that typically includes 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 treatment 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 facility.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation 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 productive.

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 facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Recovery from drug 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 designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation facilities made solely for men are rising up across the nation. While rehab programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs intended to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug treatment centers. This rehabilitation option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to participate in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These group meetings are often 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 treatment program.