Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug treatment center offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment center where the person is required to stay and reside at the treatment program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic 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 problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab center in search of help for severe addiction issues. Sometimes people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehab centers that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol rehab facilities across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person 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 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.

Criminal justice clients often need drug rehabilitation 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 adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.