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.

Detoxification is typically the first step in getting off drugs. It allows a particular person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are diverse types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that many addicts make is to believe that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get a person through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to find out the root of why a person was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a process which should be supervised by drug addiction professionals within a drug rehab center who realize how challenging and difficult methadone detox can be. Methadone detoxification is known to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users often revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to alleviate symptoms. This is why methadone detox should only be done under close supervision at a drug treatment program which has experience in handling this type of detoxification, and where the person can receive further recovery services to deal with all addiction issues.

Drug or alcohol 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 treatment center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program 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 expected to stay and reside at the rehabilitation program until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction 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 person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that should 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the length of stay may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal issues that led to her drug abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of women with addiction problems 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 treatment facilities made exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol treatment centers. This treatment option is excellent 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 difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment drug rehabilitation centers are a great alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation 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. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a substance abuse rehab facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding treatment options and payment methods.