Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial in resolving more serious 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 person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is generally the very first step in getting off drugs. It enables an individual to be in a supervised setting 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 frequent mistake that many addicts make is to think that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is always recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why a person was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol 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 facility. An outpatient drug rehab facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab facility where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehab program until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered 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 treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically includes a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehab program is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the treatment facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like atmosphere the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehabilitation facilities are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging 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 oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation 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 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 ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation facilities created specifically for men are rising up across the country. While programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are providing programs intended to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This rehabilitation 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. 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 endurable.