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.

Drug rehab programs which are offered 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 facility. An outpatient drug treatment center offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab program where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health disorders 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug treatment facility receiving help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes to inject drugs or participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehab programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation facilities around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise a significant 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 facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse rehabilitation there are several concerns unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This specific 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

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.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug or alcohol rehabilitation due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation program or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug and alcohol treatment facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol treatment programs are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and therapy needed for Spanish speaking people.

Paying for drug or alcohol rehabilitation can be a challenge, as all resources have been exhausted due to the persons drug habit. Many drug rehab facilities fully grasp this fact which is why many drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country provide payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are many factors put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug rehabilitation facilities would rather find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can acquire the help they need.

Many substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in the United States provide payment assistance to individuals suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a treatment facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program will offer them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehab program to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehabilitation facilities are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will often work with the individual to locate an equivalent or similar rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can receive the rehabilitation they so desperately need.