Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically participate in 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 especially beneficial in handling 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Detoxification is generally the first step in getting off drugs. It enables a person to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyrange from drug-free to medically supervised. A typical mistake that a lot of addicts make is to think that detox is sufficient to kick their habit. This is rarely the case. All detox does is get somebody through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is at all times recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why someone was using drugs in the first place.

Hospital inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is done in a hospital or similar setting and is supervised by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may encounter the onset of life threatening 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 individuals who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with individuals who are addicted to opiates and wish to use this type of detoxification technique to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not considered full rehabilitation and these individuals will require further counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Drug or alcohol treatment 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 program. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the individual is required to remain at the treatment center until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol treatment is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type ofrehabilitation program where the individual will remain at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually includes a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the individual to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential facility.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health problems 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 healthy.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehab facility receiving help for severe addiction problems. Often people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty syringes to inject drugs or participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug rehab facilities that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS offer specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to rehabilitation are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. 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 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 person in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment facilities created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. In a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed and will be able to share her personal conflicts that led to her substance abuse and addiction problems. Statistics show that up to seventy percent of drug abusing women 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 ridicule.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs made solely for men are rising up across the country. While rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs designed to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's particular needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. Although these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are selecting men-only drug treatment programs. This rehabilitation option is ideal for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is an excellent way of receiving the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

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

If an individual is abusing drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, many effective substance abuse treatment facilities accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term programs accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug or alcohol treatment centers which offer an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These programs which accept private health insurance can differ in terms of treatment curriculum, but those clients who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to attending a drug or alcohol rehab program. For additional information, consult with a treatment professional at a drug rehabilitation center in your area to see which programs your private health insurance will cover.