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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the person will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which typically requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that typically includes a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced 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 drugs and alcohol, parents must be willing to do whatever it takes to get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted 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 and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 individuals with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility receiving help for serious addiction problems. Sometimes individuals 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 treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol treatment centers 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 treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol rehab facilities around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during treatment. 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 setting 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 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 seek treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are several factors unique to their situation that need to 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized 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.

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

Drug and alcohol treatment centers made exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehab programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol treatment programs. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories 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 receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol treatment because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehab center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse treatment 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 or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the varying 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 required. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers available which provide these services. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.