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.

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 treatment facilities across the nation which understand 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, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehabilitation 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 substance 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 work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug treatment programs created exclusively for men are emerging across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs intended 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 rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehab centers. This treatment option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult 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 endurable.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse 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. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug 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 therapeutic community.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are prepared to deliver services to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide 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 acquire the full rewards of such a program.

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they do not qualify for Medicaid. Some states however offer state financed health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will in some cases cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a wide variety of drug rehabilitation programs around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both inpatient or outpatient substance abuse rehab services. To find out which treatment programs will accept state financed insurance, speak with a drug and alcohol treatment specialist.