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.

Detoxification is normally the first step in getting off drugs. It makes it possible for a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that quite a few addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is rarely the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to discover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which must be supervised by drug addiction professionals within a drug rehabilitation center who recognize how difficult and challenging methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detoxification is known to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and individuals frequently revert back to methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to alleviate symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification must only be done under close supervision at a drug rehabilitation center which has practical experience in handling this type of detoxification, and where the person can receive further rehabilitation services to deal with all addiction issues.

Drug rehabilitation services which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient treatment center. An outpatient substance abuse rehab program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation center where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are a number of factors unique to their situation that must 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 programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific 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.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol 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 treatment centers created 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 rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities designed solely for men are rising up 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 centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction rehabilitation facilities. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol treatment programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a widespread language in this country, many drug rehab programs are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking people. 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 individuals.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehab process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse treatment program. To learn more about self payment programs, contact a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.