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 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 various circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will focus on getting the individual physically rehabilitated, and then focus on underlying 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 take part in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug treatment center where the individual is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also available for those who have already gone through residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment 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 must 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 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 available in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on staff that are trained specifically in handling this age group.

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

Criminal justice clients often need substance abuse treatment due to problems with drug or alcohol addiction. 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 drug treatment facility or recovery program. The initial step is to determine the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who decide how much and what type of drug is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug treatment while they are incarcerated. For optimum results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery process once they leave jail and enroll in sober living or a long-term residential transitional living program.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients walking into substance abuse rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug treatment facilities are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and therapy needed for Spanish speaking clients.

Many substance abuse treatment centers 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 rehabilitation can select a rehabilitation program which ideally fits their situation, meaning the treatment curriculum and design of the program would supply them the best results. The addicted person can then consult with one of the treatment professionals at the drug rehabilitation program to go over what kind of payment assistance options are available or that they qualify for. The financial department in most drug and alcohol treatment 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 usually work with the individual to find an equivalent or similar rehabilitation facility which is more affordable or that can provide workable financing options so that they can get the rehabilitation they so desperately need.