Substance abuse treatment is offered in a wide range of distinct treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, where the person 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 helpful 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 different circumstances which can be different for each individual. Most substance abuse treatment will concentrate on getting the person physically rehabilitated, and then focus on the root psychological and emotional issues.

Enrolling into a residential long-term treatment program (more than 30 days) is an effective way ofapproaching a serious substance abuse problem. This type of drug rehab program is more comprehensive than others that only last a few weeks or those where the client is free to come and go as they please. Choosing a residential long-term rehabilitation program (more than 30 days) means that you as the client will reside at the rehab center around the clock while you are in recovery. While providing a more relaxed home-like environment the client has access to counselors and staff at all times. Long term drug rehab facilities are an ideal choice for those who have a long history of addiction or who have had other unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past.

It is an unfortunate 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 alcohol and drugs, 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 addressed immediately, otherwise, addiction will lead down a path of total destruction for the adolescent and for the family. There are drug and alcohol treatment programs for adolescents offered in every state, many of which cater only to adolescents and have treatment professionals and counselors on hand that are trained specifically in dealing with this age range.

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

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug rehab programs around the country 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 individual in treatment, however it can be beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

Criminal justice clients typically need drug treatment because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are specific steps and guidelines that must be performed in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation program or recovery program. The first step is to figure out the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is completed by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of treatment is necessary. Sometimes, the criminal justice clients receive 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 therapeutic community.