Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done 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 reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is particularly helpful 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 person. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then concentrate on the root psychological and emotional issues which will help them avoid relapse in the future.

Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. An outpatient substance abuse treatment facility provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program where the person is expected to stay and reside at the treatment center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for individuals who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

It is not unusual for someone with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug rehabilitation facility receiving help for serious addiction problems. Sometimes individuals 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 participating in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS deserve effective treatment just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Substance abuse rehabilitation 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 rehabilitation are resolved so that they can overcome their addiction once and for all.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse treatment. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug treatment programs around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during treatment. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 rehab centers which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction issues. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

Recovery from drug addiction is a process that can be difficult and in manyways intimidating. This is why some women seeking help with addiction feel more comfortable in treatment programs created specifically for women. Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol oftenhave personal issues that are very different than that of males. In a drug treatment center 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 address in the company of other women without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Drug and alcohol rehab facilities made exclusively for men are popping up across the nation. While rehab facilities that treat both men and women are still the standard for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, many rehab facilities are developing programs intended to help a specific target group. These centers are able to focus on what their client's individual needs are in a way that standard programs are not. While these specialized types of rehabilitation programs may not be necessary for all recovering addicts, many men are deciding on men-only drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. This recovery option is excellent for those who feel more comfortable with those of the same sex when discussing private and often difficult issues from the past. Addiction recovery is a challenging 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 endurable.

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 specific steps and guidelines that must be completed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice drug rehabilitation program or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive their drug treatment 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 sober living or a therapeutic community.

Many substance abuse rehabilitation programs in the United States provide payment assistance to individuals suffering with drug or alcohol addiction and want to get help. The individual in need of treatment can choose a treatment program which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program will supply them the best results. The addicted person can then seek advice from one of the treatment professionals at the drug or alcohol rehabilitation program to talk about what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug rehabilitation facilities 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 individual to locate an equivalent or comparable treatment facility which is more affordable or that can offer workable financing options so that they can receive the help they so desperately need.