Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct 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 receive treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially helpful 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 various circumstances which can be different for each person. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Detoxification is commonly the first step in getting off drugs. It permits an individual to be in a supervised setting while they go through withdrawal symptoms for drugs and/or alcohol. There are different types of detoxification. Theyvary from drug-free to medically supervised. A frequent mistake that quite a few addicts make is to assume that detox is enough to kick their habit. This is almost never the case. All detox does is get someone through the withdrawal when they stop using. It is often recommended that detox be followed up with some type of treatment plan to learn the root of why somebody was using drugs in the first place.

Hospital inpatient substance abuse treatment is performed in a hospital setting and is overseen by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is often necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the client may experience 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 supervised very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also administered to those who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detoxification technique to manage the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not treatment in itself however, and these people will need further counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Drug treatment services which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab program. An outpatient drug and alcohol rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab facility where the person is expected to stay and reside at the treatment program until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the person'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 individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment substance abuse rehabilitation facilities are a great alternative to other types of rehabilitation centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People 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 substance abuse rehab program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive vital treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of drug rehab centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, there are many effective drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug treatment facilities which provide an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those individuals who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to attending a drug rehab program. For more information, speak with with an addiction specialist at a substance abuse treatment program in your area to see which services your private health insurance will cover.