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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 alcohol and mentally stable and productive.