Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically participate in 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 especially beneficial in handling 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 concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

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

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health conditions in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation program in search of help for severe addiction problems. Often 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 deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Substance abuse treatment facilities 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 rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

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 and alcohol rehab programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident 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 rehabilitation 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 affect 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 drug treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that should 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

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 rehab programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 drug abusing women 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 retaliation.

Drug treatment facilities created exclusively for men are popping up across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are providing programs designed 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 rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug treatment centers. This treatment option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult 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.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment 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 a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many substance abuse rehabilitation programs are capable of providing 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 people.

Those who speak other languages, other than English that is, should receive drug or alcohol 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 many substance abuse treatment 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 rehabilitation facilities which provide services for people who speak other languages are only short term programs, but there are more long term options available. Foreign language speakers should consult with a treatment professional in their area to choose a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program which would be suitable to their needs.

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

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug treatment, and there are many drug rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug treatment programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

Paying for drug or alcohol rehab can be a problem, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug treatment facilities fully grasp this reality which is why many drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country offer payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are many variables put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug treatment facilities would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can acquire the help they need.