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.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to drugs and alcohol, parents must take every step possible to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug rehabilitation programs for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age range.

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 disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug treatment facilities across the nation which understand 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 individual in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways 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 typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal conflicts 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs made exclusively for men are popping up across the country. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction rehab facilities. This rehabilitation option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing 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 an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to participate in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed 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 typically 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 substance abuse rehab program.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse treatment program 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 drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their substance abuse 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 a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.