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.

Drug rehabilitation services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment program where the individual is expected to remain at the treatment facility until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the person will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally requires a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the recovering addict undergoes an intensive but brief course of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehab is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a serious drug or alcohol addiction problem. This type of drug and alcohol rehab facility is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the person in recovery is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will stay at the rehabilitation center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like setting the individual has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol treatment centers are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of substance abuse or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals 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 depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health conditions 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 alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

DUI/DWI offenders are often required to participate in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are deemed low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically engage in some form of group counseling or therapy. These group meetings are typically held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their mandatory counseling or alcohol rehab program.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment center 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 drug is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse 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 a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab centers available which provide these services. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.