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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate 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 person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 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 find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are several issues unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This particular 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 recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs 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 facility 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 drug 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 treatment programs created solely for men are popping up across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed 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. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug rehab programs. This rehabilitation option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing 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 often required to enroll in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are considered to be low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage 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 rehab program.

Criminal justice clients often need drug treatment 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 rehab facility or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.