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.

Residential short-term treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is a type oftreatment program where the individual will stay at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that usually 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 additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Attending a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofaddressing a severe substance abuse problem. This type of substance abuse treatment 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 rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehab center around the clock while you are in recovery. While offering a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug or alcohol rehab programs are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction 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 if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health issues off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol 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 very different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol rehab program 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers designed solely for men are popping up across the nation. While programs that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many rehab centers are providing programs designed to help a specific target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehab programs are not necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug rehab 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. Addiction recovery is a challenging 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 endurable.

Criminal justice clients often need drug rehabilitation because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug rehab center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol 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.