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.

It is a disturbing fact that many adolescents in the United States become exposed 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 drugs and alcohol, parents need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help their child before it is too late. Any suspicion that drugs or alcohol are in the picture should be addressed immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug treatment programs for adolescents offered 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 group.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease 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 depression and anxiety. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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 problems off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in an addiction rehabilitation center in search of help for serious addiction issues. Sometimes people who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases due to certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted person. Drug rehabilitation programs that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated so that they can overcome their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment atmosphere which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation facilities across the nation 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 person in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident 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 rehab facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. 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 treatment before any long term consequences occur.

When pregnant/postpartum women need drug or alcohol treatment there are several concerns unique to their situation that must 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. Substance abuse rehabilitation 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 particular needs it is recognized that the longer a person stays in treatment the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Many rehab facilities for pregnant/postpartum women can run long-term for six months or more.

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol 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 designed specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol typicallyhave personal issues that are much different than that of males. 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 drug 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 ridicule.

Drug treatment centers created specifically for men are rising up across the nation. Although programs that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug rehabilitation, many facilities are developing programs intended to help a particular target group. These facilities are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard facilities cannot provide. While these specialized types of treatment programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehab programs. This treatment option is best suited for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult memories from the past. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process for every addict and finding comfort among one's peer group is a good way of getting the support needed to make the process that much more bearable and successful.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse rehabilitation due to problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug or alcohol rehab facility or recovery program. The initial step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain 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 long-term residential transitional living program.

Many drug and alcohol treatment programs in the United States offer payment assistance to individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The person in need of rehabilitation can select a rehab facility which is a good fit, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would offer them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol treatment center to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehab centers are more than willing to work with potential clients to get them started by offering payment assistance, and if this is unavailable, treatment professionals will often work with the person to locate an equivalent or similar rehab facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can get the rehabilitation they so desperately need.