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.

Hospital inpatient drug rehabilitation is done in a hospital or similar setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may experience the onset of medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes the case when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which should be monitored very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to those who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detox technique to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not treatment in itself however, and these individuals will need additional counseling and therapy to completely recover from addiction.

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

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the addicted individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that typically incorporates a supervised detoxification, 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 rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all cases of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed 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 rehabilitation 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 substance 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 ridicule.

Drug treatment programs made specifically for men are popping up across the country. Although programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating 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 rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug treatment facilities. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.