Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically receive 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 particularly helpful in handling more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

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

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health problems 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehab program in search of help for severe addiction problems. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation programs around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a significant percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug and alcohol treatment centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are numerous issues unique to their situation that must be addressed. This particular 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 facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal issues 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab programs made specifically for men are rising up across the nation. Although programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This rehabilitation option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment substance abuse treatment programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center and ask about their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors including whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are many drug and alcohol rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full rewards of such a program.