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.

Drug or alcohol rehab services 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 treatment program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab program where the person is expected to remain at the treatment facility until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that usually incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in daily life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

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 ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health disorders 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 mentally stable and happy.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise a significant 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 treatment centers 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 treatment before any long term consequences arise.

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 oftenhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehab program 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug treatment facilities created exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are providing 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 facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction treatment centers. This recovery option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing 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 an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are usually required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These meetings are often held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol rehabilitation due to problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab 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 decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain 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 sober living or a therapeutic community.