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.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs 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 rehabilitation center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment facility where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the rehabilitation program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug treatment 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 therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a type ofrehabilitation program where the addicted individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the client undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person become rehabilitated and able to function without drugs in everyday life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment facility (more than 30 days) is the best way ofaddressing a severe drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of substance abuse rehabilitation facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehab program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will live at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment centers are an excellent choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at drug or alcohol treatment in the past.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to drugs and alcohol, parents need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any indication that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug treatment programs for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

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 rehab facilities 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 rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol 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 treatment centers 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 rehab facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to work through her personal conflicts that led to her substance 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs created exclusively for men are rising up across the country. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of rehab programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug treatment centers. This rehabilitation option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing 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 getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

People can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual'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 required. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers 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.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are prepared to deliver treatment services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and therapy needed for Spanish speaking clients.