Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically receive 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 particularly helpful 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 unique circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

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