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.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehab center receiving help for serious addiction problems. 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 becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug rehab programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities around the country which understand 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, although 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.

Drug rehabilitation programs created solely for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab facilities that work with both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab centers are developing programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. Although these specialized types of treatment programs may not be needed for all recovering addicts, many men are choosing men-only drug rehabilitation programs. This treatment option is ideally suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult 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 because of their problems with drug or alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be accepted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol treatment center or recovery program. The initial step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol 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.

People can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab centers available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into drug rehabilitation facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug rehabilitation programs are prepared to deliver treatment to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking people.