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.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a severe substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse rehab program is more intensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehab facility around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health problems 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 disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehab center receiving help for serious addiction issues. 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 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 rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug and alcohol rehab facilities 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 distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehabilitation programs across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. 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 atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise a considerable 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 treatment for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Drug rehabilitation facilities created exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs designed to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of treatment programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only addiction rehab centers. This recovery option is ideal 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 difficult 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 endurable.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug treatment due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab facility or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Individuals 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 substance abuse, because of the various 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 needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment drug rehabilitation programs are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug rehabilitation center and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment methods.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are many drug rehabilitation programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug treatment programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

Paying for drug or alcohol treatment can be a challenge, as all resources have been exhausted because of their addiction. Many drug rehab programs understand this reality which is why many drug and alcohol treatment facilities across the nation offer payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are several 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 programs would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can get the help they need.