Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment methods. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the individual will typically participate in 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on underlying psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehabilitation program. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility where the person is expected to remain at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

It is an unfortunate fact that many adolescents in the United States become introduced 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 get the problem resolved before it is too late. Any sign that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be confronted right away, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities for adolescents available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which mimic mental health disorders, 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 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 issues off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse 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 rehabilitation center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their substance abuse treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum 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.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, 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 required. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs available which provide these services. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to individuals 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 financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug treatment, and there are many drug and alcohol rehab programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver 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 rewards of such a program.