Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety 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 person to stay in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly beneficial in handling more serious cases of addiction. Inpatient and residential substance abuse treatment can be done on a short term or long term basis, depending on unique circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug rehab programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehab center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment program where the person is required to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare program which will offer further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

It is a disturbing 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 need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any indication 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 rehab programs for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand 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 or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment 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 people with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehab center in search of help for serious addiction problems. Sometimes individuals 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 rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug and alcohol rehab 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 recovery are resolved so that they can conquer their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug rehab programs around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter 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 environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 rehabilitation facilities 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 have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug treatment there are a number of issues unique to their situation that need to be addressed. This distinct 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires facilities that are both individualized and flexible in their recovery plan. Although the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person participates in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. 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 difficult and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking recovery feel more comfortable in treatment programs designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are very different than their male counter parts. In a drug rehabilitation facility where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more relaxed 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 delicate issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities designed specifically for men are emerging across the nation. While rehab programs that work with both men and women continue to be the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are creating programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's personal 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 choosing men-only drug and alcohol treatment facilities. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable among others of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a challenging process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a great way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more endurable.

DUI/DWI offenders are typically required to enroll in a specific number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to retribution for the DUI/DWI offender. Offenders who are regarded as low to moderate DUI/DWI offenders will typically be required to participate in some form of group counseling or therapy. These are sometimes referred to as "Level I & Level II Alcohol Classes". These meetings are typically held by a professional in the field of addiction recovery or a person with long-term sobriety involved in the Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous groups. DUI/DWI offenders deemed to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse rehab program.

Criminal justice clients often 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 rehab center or recovery program. The initial 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 drug 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 process once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a long-term residential transitional living program.

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 circumstances including 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 rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehab 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 look for which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, 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 addiction at a variety of substance abuse rehabilitation programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.