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.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a variety oftreatment program where the person will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that typically includes a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 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 issues. Often people 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 should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug rehab programs 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 alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction once and for all.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that must be addressed. This particular 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 facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult 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 typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug treatment program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 sensitive issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug rehab centers designed solely for men are popping up across the nation. While rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed 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 may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction rehabilitation centers. This treatment option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing 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 a good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse treatment program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These group meetings are typically 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 assigned counseling or alcohol treatment program.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol treatment because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial 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. 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 therapeutic community.