Hospital inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation is performed in a hospital setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may experience the onset of medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which must be monitored very carefully by medical professionals to minimize ant dangerous health complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to those who choose to undergo medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detox approach to manage the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detox is not considered full rehabilitation and these individuals will need additional counseling and therapy to completely recover from addiction.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are provided 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 facility. 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 rehab program where the individual is expected to remain at the rehab center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive 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 handle both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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 happy.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.