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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health conditions 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Recovery 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 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 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs designed exclusively for men are rising up across the country. Although rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular 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 choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehab centers. This rehabilitation option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs 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 person's life. This is true for individuals 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 and alcohol rehabilitation programs available which provide these services. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.