Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful in resolving more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on different circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab program. An outpatient substance abuse treatment center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab center where the individual is required to stay and reside at the treatment facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional 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 or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse treatment facility receiving help for severe addiction problems. Often people 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 becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehabilitation 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 overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 and alcohol treatment programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 treatment before any long term consequences arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous concerns 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in rehab programs 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 or alcohol rehabilitation program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share 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 delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs made specifically for men are popping up across the nation. Although rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs intended to help a particular target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol treatment facilities. This recovery option is best 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 challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation facility or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse rehabilitation 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 long-term residential transitional living program.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 need 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 provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab facilities are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment 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 drug or alcohol treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment options.

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

Paying for drug treatment can be a problem, because typically all resources have been exhausted because of the persons drug habit. Many drug treatment programs recognize this fact which is why many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs across the nation provide 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 rehab facilities would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can get the help they need.