Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient treatment center. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab facility where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehabilitation program until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare 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 handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 people with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

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 offered at certain drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 rehabilitation 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 find treatment before any long term consequences arise.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the individual'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 needed. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug treatment facilities available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.