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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health disorders 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 mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility in search of help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of 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 deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug rehabilitation centers that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated 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 treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug treatment facilities across the nation which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 and alcohol rehab facilities 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are numerous factors 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While 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 a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug 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 designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab 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 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 centers made exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. Although programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehab centers. This recovery option is best suited 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 challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehab programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug rehab programs are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment 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. Speakers of other languages should not feel that their treatment opportunities are limited or inferior because they don't speak English. There are quite a few substance abuse rehab facilities available which provide services to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide a variety of programs to choose from. For example, some substance abuse treatment programs which can treat individuals who speak other languages are only short term programs, but there are more long term options available. Foreign language speakers should seek the advice from an addiction professional in their area to choose a drug or alcohol treatment program which would be suitable to their needs.