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.

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. A halfway house is a place where the person can feel secure and repair their life while maintaining sobriety while also participate in clean and sober, productive activities. Halfway houses are an ideal opportunity for individuals to be in an environment where they can receive additional counseling and different types of therapy while also learning new trades or discovering stable employment so that they can support a healthy and productive, drug-free life.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation services which are delivered 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 rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment program where the person is required to remain at the treatment program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

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.

Drug treatment centers designed exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. Although rehab programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs designed 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug rehabilitation facilities. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction 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 endurable.

Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the United States offer payment assistance to men and women having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can choose a rehab program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program would provide them the best results. The addicted person can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehab center to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol rehab programs are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the person to find an equivalent or comparable rehab program which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.