Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out 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 various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Detoxification is generally the 1st step in getting off drugs. It makes it possible for an individual to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A frequent mistake that quite a few addicts make is to feel that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is always recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a process which must be overseen by substance abuse professionals within a drug rehabilitation center who realize how challenging and difficult methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detoxification is regarded to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and individuals frequently revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to relieve symptoms. This is why methadone detox should only be done under strict supervision at a drug rehabilitation facility which has experience in handling this type of detoxification, and where the person can receive additional treatment services to handle all addiction issues.

Drug rehab 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 rehab center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the individual is required to remain at the rehabilitation program until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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 often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the length of stay 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 programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways 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 or alcohol rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs designed solely for men are popping up across the country. Although programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities 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 rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol rehab centers. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing 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 an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol treatment programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

Native Americans and Alaska Natives have much higher rates of substance abuse and addiction than other ethnicities, a circumstance which must be addressed for these cultures to survive. In fact, Native American and Alaska youth have some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the country. While the reasons may vary from person to person, most of the reasons for the high rates of abuse among Native American and Alaska natives are cultural ones. The most obvious obstacles to treating Native Americans and Alaska Natives for substance abuse are language and culture differences. This is why it is vital that Native Americans and Alaska Natives receive substance abuse treatment in a drug rehab program that is specifically catered to this ethnic group, but most importantly in one that takes into the account the need to provide treatment in their language.

Self payment substance abuse rehabilitation facilities are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehab programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug rehab center and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact several programs so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of such a program.