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.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment program in search of help for serious addiction problems. Sometimes people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles 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 person. Substance abuse treatment programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehabilitation programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person 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 encompass a considerable 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 rehabilitation programs 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

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

Recovery from drug 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 rehab centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehab center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to work through her personal issues 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 delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers designed specifically for men are popping up across the country. While rehab programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These centers 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 rehabilitation programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. This recovery 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. Recovering from addiction 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 endurable.

Criminal justice clients typically need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation center or recovery program. The first step is to figure out 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. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain 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.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug rehab facilities are prepared to deliver treatment services 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 individuals.

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

Many substance abuse rehabilitation programs in the United States provide payment assistance to individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of treatment can choose a rehab facility which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would supply them the best results. The addicted individual can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehabilitation program to find out what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol rehabilitation 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 often work with the individual to locate an equivalent or comparable rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can receive the help they so desperately need.