Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done 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 individual to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial 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 various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug treatment services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient drug treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab program where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, 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 disorders 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 disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation program receiving help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol 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 rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can conquer 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 environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation facilities around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during treatment. 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 alienate them due to 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 rehabilitation facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment 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 rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol rehabilitation there are a number of issues unique to their situation that must be addressed. This distinct 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 often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While 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 programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation 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 treatment facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share 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 sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug rehab programs made specifically for men are emerging across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are creating programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of getting 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 specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment 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 once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for individuals 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 cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

If someone is abusing drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, there are many effective drug or alcohol rehab facilities accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term programs accept private health insurance, far more effective substance abuse rehab programs which offer an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those clients who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to attending a drug rehabilitation program. For more information, speak with with a treatment professional at a substance abuse rehab center in your area to see which programs your private health insurance will cover.

Military health insurance typically relates to TRICARE and is a typically accepted insurance for specific drug treatment programs. A drug rehab that accepts military insurance will generally accept most other types of insurance as well. TRICARE generally covers detoxification, rehab and outpatient treatment.