Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful in resolving more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on different circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse treatment facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program where the person is expected to stay and reside at the treatment center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug 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 provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents must be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug rehabilitation programs are prepared to deliver treatment to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

People who speak other languages, other than English that is, should receive substance abuse treatment which is on par with English speakers. Those who speak other languages should not feel that their treatment curriculum or treatment setting is going to be any less effective because they don't speak English. There are quite a few drug and alcohol treatment programs available which cater to those who speak foreign languages, all of which offer a variety of programs to choose from. For example, some drug treatment facilities which provide services for individuals who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, and others are longer term programs. Foreign language speakers should consult with an addiction professional in their area to choose a drug rehabilitation program that provides rehabilitation services in their specific language.