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.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly treat real mental health problems 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 mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction treatment center receiving help for severe addiction issues. Sometimes people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of 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 person. Drug and alcohol treatment 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 overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehab facilities around the country 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 individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere 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 significant 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 treatment centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate treatment before any long term consequences come about.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are several issues unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This specific 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment 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 a successful recovery. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Recovery from drug or alcohol 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 rehab centers designed 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 treatment 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 women with addiction problems report having some type of sexual or physical abuse in their past. These delicate issues are easier to address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Criminal justice clients often need drug or alcohol treatment because of their problems with addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment facility 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 treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a therapeutic community.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into substance abuse treatment facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking people.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehab, and there are many drug treatment programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug treatment programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for addiction at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.

Many substance abuse rehab facilities in the United States provide payment assistance to individuals having difficulties with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can choose a rehabilitation facility which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program will offer them the best results. The addicted individual can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug treatment program to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol rehab programs are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will typically work with the individual to locate an equivalent or similar rehab program which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can receive the help they so desperately need.