Substance abuse treatment takes place 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 individual will typically receive 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 especially 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 individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

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

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish 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 people with mental health problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.