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.

A halfway house is a transitional living facility where a person who is trying to recover from drug or alcohol addiction can stabilize and re-adjust to life and society as a drug free individual. A halfway house is a location where someone can feel safe and rebuild their life while maintaining sobriety while also participate in clean and sober, productive activities. Halfway houses are an ideal opportunity for recovering addicts to be in a setting where they can acquire further counseling and different types of therapy while also learning new trades or finding stable employment so that they can support a healthy and drug free lifestyle.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofresolving a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility 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 reside at the rehabilitation facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the person has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab centers are a perfect 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.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers made exclusively for men are emerging across the country. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab facilities. This treatment 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 difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.