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.

Hospital inpatient substance abuse treatment is performed in a hospital setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may experience the onset of life threatening withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which should be supervised very carefully by medical professionals to minimize ant dangerous health complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to those who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detoxification technique to manage the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detox is not treatment in itself however, and these individuals will require additional counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs which are provided 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 substance abuse rehab program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program where the person is required to remain at the rehabilitation center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the person will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that typically includes a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation 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 if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems 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 productive.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are numerous issues 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug rehab centers designed specifically for men are rising up across the nation. While programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are creating 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 programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This recovery option is best 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 challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.