Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different 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 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 serious 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 concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Drug treatment services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient treatment program. An outpatient drug rehab facility delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility where the individual is expected to remain at the treatment facility until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Residential short-term treatment for addiction is a type oftreatment program where the person will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which normally requires a stay of 30 days or less. While in residential short-term treatment the individual undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in everyday life once rehabilitation is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all scenarios of addiction, and most will require an aftercare program or further treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly 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 disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

It is not uncommon for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility receiving help for serious addiction issues. 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 rehabilitation centers 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 and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehab facilities around the country which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or alienate them due to their sexual preference.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 and alcohol 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 arise.

When pregnant/postpartum women need substance abuse treatment there are several factors 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. Recovery for pregnant/postpartum women often requires programs that are both individualized and flexible in their treatment plan. While the program duration may vary depending on the woman's specific needs it is understood that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many programs for pregnant/postpartum women run six to nine months on average.

Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a process that can be challenging and in a lot ofways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment centers created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are considerably different than their male counter parts. In a drug or alcohol treatment program where all the clients are women, the recovering addict will feel more at ease and will be able to share her personal issues 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 sensitive issues are easier to work through in the company of other women without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers created specifically for men are rising up across the nation. While rehab programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many facilities are creating programs intended to help a specific 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 necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only addiction rehab programs. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when sharing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a difficult 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 usually required to enroll in a certain number of hours either in counseling, meetings or a substance abuse rehab program. Each state has its own requirements when it comes to sentencing 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 group 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 considered to be serious offenders will likely have to serve jail time at a minimum before beginning their assigned counseling or substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Criminal justice clients often need drug rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be accepted into a criminal justice substance abuse treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of substance abuse [[[rehabilitation is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients receive their drug and alcohol treatment 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 a sober living home or a therapeutic community.