Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed 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 person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly 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 unique circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Drug rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient drug rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehabilitation center until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare program which will provide further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

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 take every step possible to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any indication 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 as well as for the family. There are drug treatment 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 group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish 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 person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment center 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 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation centers designed exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are providing 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. While these specialized types of treatment programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These group meetings are usually held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or substance abuse rehab program.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment 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 adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab program or recovery program. The first step is to establish 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 substance abuse rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

People can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab 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.

Paying for drug or alcohol rehabilitation can be a problem, as all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug rehab programs understand this fact which is why many drug and alcohol treatment programs across the nation offer payment options known as a sliding scale fee. There are many factors put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those that need addiction help can receive the help they need.