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.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofapproaching a serious substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse rehabilitation program is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Attending a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like setting the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 facilities 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 locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are several issues unique to their situation that should be addressed. This distinct 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol 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 facilities designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very 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 substance 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 ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation facilities made solely for men are emerging across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. This rehabilitation option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable among others 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 bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation program or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the United States provide payment assistance to individuals suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a treatment program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would provide them the best results. The addicted individual can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation 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 individual to locate an equivalent or similar rehab program which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.