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.

Detoxification is normally the first step in getting off drugs. It permits a particular person to be in a supervised environment while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that quite a few addicts make is to think that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is seldom the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to uncover the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a course of action which should be supervised by addiction professionals within a drug rehabilitation program who recognize how difficult and challenging methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detox is known to be far more serious in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and individuals frequently revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to relieve symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification must only be done under strict supervision at a drug treatment facility which has experience in handling this type of detox, and where the person can receive additional treatment services to address all addiction issues.

Drug treatment programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

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 rehab centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. 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 come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are numerous factors unique to their situation that need to 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 typically requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol treatment facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 and alcohol treatment centers created exclusively for men are rising up across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating 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 facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction rehab facilities. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

Self payment substance abuse rehabilitation programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehab 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 treatment program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to rehab options and payment methods.