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.

Drug or alcohol rehab services which are offered 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 rehab facility. An outpatient drug treatment program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation facility where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that usually 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 scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed 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 help their child before it is too late. Any suspicion 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 and for the family. There are drug treatment 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.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several factors unique to their situation that should 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. Although the program duration 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 a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. 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 work through her personal conflicts that led to her drug abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of women with addiction problems 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.