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.

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 need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any indication that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehab programs for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on hand that are trained specifically in handling this age range.

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 disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

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 offered at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs across the nation which understand 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 environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident 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 programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 treatment before any long term consequences arise.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her drug 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug rehabilitation facilities made exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab programs. This rehabilitation option is excellent 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 difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients often need drug treatment because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, 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 process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a therapeutic community.

Many substance abuse treatment programs in the United States offer payment assistance to people suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of treatment can choose a rehab facility which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program would offer them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehabilitation center to find out what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug treatment facilities 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 usually work with the person to find an equivalent or similar rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can acquire the help they so desperately need.