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.

Detoxification is usually the first step in getting off drugs. It makes it possible for an individual to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are various types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A common mistake that quite a few addicts make is to believe that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is hardly ever the case. All detox does is get an individual through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is usually recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to discover the root of why an individual was using drugs in the first place.

Methadone detoxification is a process which must be overseen by substance abuse professionals within a drug rehabilitation center who understand how difficult and challenging methadone detoxification can be. Methadone detoxification is known to be far more severe in terms of symptoms and duration than even heroin detox, and users frequently revert back to methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or, worse yet, turn to heroin or prescription opioids to ease symptoms. This is why methadone detoxification must only be done under close supervision at a drug rehab program which has experience in handling this type of detoxification, and where the individual can receive additional recovery services to address all addiction issues.

Drug treatment 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 rehab center. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation center where the individual is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug rehabilitation there are several concerns 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 facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of a successful recovery. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways 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 rehab program 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 women with addiction problems report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers designed solely for men are rising up across the country. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are providing 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 programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only addiction rehabilitation programs. This treatment option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Self payment drug rehab programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehabilitation centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are capable of attending 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 or alcohol treatment program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug treatment program and ask about their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment methods.