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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab program receiving help for serious 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol treatment programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide 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 overcome their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation programs around the country 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 environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging 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 typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation program 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 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 treatment facilities made exclusively for men are emerging across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction rehabilitation programs. This treatment 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. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol 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 admitted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug rehabilitation 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 therapeutic community.

Many substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States provide payment assistance to men and women having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of rehabilitation can choose a rehab program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program would offer them the best results. The addicted individual can then talk to one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol treatment facility to find out what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will often work with the individual to locate an equivalent or comparable rehab program which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can receive the help they so desperately need.