Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful in handling more severe cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on different circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is usually the initial step in getting off drugs. It enables a particular person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that quite a few addicts make is to assume 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 usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the person is required to remain at the rehabilitation facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the addicted 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 brief course of treatment that typically incorporates 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 rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is the best way ofresolving a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of substance abuse treatment program 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 rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehabilitation facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to treatment professionals at all times. Long term drug rehab centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

People can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehabilitation programs available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.