Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range 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 person will typically attend treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the individual to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial 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 different circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services 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 treatment program. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility provides 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 required to stay and reside at the rehab program 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 and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, and some even become addicted and dependent to drugs and/or alcohol. For adolescents who do become addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs, parents must take every step possible to help their child before it is too late. Any indication that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent as well as for the family. There are drug treatment programs for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals on staff that are trained specifically in handling this age range.

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, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation 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 individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are a number of concerns unique to their situation that should be addressed. This distinct group of addicted persons faces not only the personal shame of their addiction but also the reality of what their unhealthy choices may have caused their children. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's particular needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug rehab program 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 drug 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 rehab centers designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. Although rehab programs that treat both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities 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 rehabilitation programs are not needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction 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 bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients frequently need drug or alcohol treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehabilitation center or recovery program. The initial step is to determine 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 obtain their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug and alcohol rehab facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehab programs are capable of providing treatment services to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and therapy needed for Spanish speaking people.

Self payment drug and alcohol rehab programs are an outstanding alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. Individuals who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehab 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 drug or alcohol rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug treatment program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding treatment options and payment methods.

Paying for drug treatment can be a problem, because typically all resources have been exhausted due to the persons addiction. Many drug treatment programs understand this fact which is why many drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country offer payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are various variables put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those that need addiction help can acquire the help they need.