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.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab facility where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug treatment is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare program which will offer further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health problems, 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 differentiate 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 people with mental health problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehab 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 individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehabilitation 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 retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities made exclusively for men are emerging across the country. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs designed to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehabilitation facilities. This rehabilitation option is excellent 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 challenging 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.

Many drug treatment facilities in the United States provide payment assistance to men and women struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of rehabilitation can choose a rehabilitation program which is a good fit, meaning the treatment plan and design of the program would provide them the best results. The addicted individual can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehab center to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol treatment 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 typically work with the individual to locate an equivalent or comparable treatment program which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can get the help they so desperately need.