Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful in resolving more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

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

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehab facilities across the nation which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in rehab programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug rehabilitation facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers made exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. Although rehab facilities that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are providing programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's personal needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. This recovery option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a very good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.