Hospital inpatient substance abuse treatment is carried out in a hospital or similar setting and is overseen by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the client may experience the onset of medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which should be supervised very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also administered to individuals who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with individuals who are addicted to opiates and wish to use this type of detox approach to manage the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not treatment in itself however, and these individuals will require additional counseling and therapy to entirely recover from addiction.

Drug or alcohol rehabilitation services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment center where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

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