Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. 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 especially beneficial in resolving more severe 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 concentrate 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 program (more than 30 days) is the best way ofapproaching a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of substance abuse treatment facility 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. Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the rehab center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like setting the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehabilitation centers are a perfect 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.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal issues that led to her drug 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 ridicule.

Drug rehabilitation programs created solely for men are popping up across the country. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing programs intended 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 programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehabilitation programs. This treatment option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging 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.

People can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs 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.