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.

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 people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 people with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

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 treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal conflicts that led to her drug 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug rehabilitation facilities. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others 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 a good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol treatment centers available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.