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.

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 alcohol and drugs, 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 facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 individuals with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs 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 individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes required. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehab centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many substance abuse rehab facilities are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking people.