Substance abuse treatment takes place in a wide variety of different treatment settings with a variety of different treatment approaches. For example, some substance abuse treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, where the person will typically participate in treatment during the day but is allowed to return home daily. Other substance abuse treatment requires the person to reside in a hospital or residential facility during the entire course of treatment, which is especially beneficial 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 unique 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 rehab services which are offered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation center where the person is expected to remain at the rehabilitation center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also available for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

Residential short-term treatment for substance abuse is a variety ofrehabilitation program where the individual will reside at the facility on an inpatient basis, and which usually demands a stay of 30 days or less. While attending residential short-term treatment the person undergoes an intensive but short duration of treatment that commonly incorporates a supervised detox, counseling, and other forms of therapy which are aimed at helping the person to recover and be able to function without drugs in daily life once treatment is complete. Residential short-term treatment is not always effective for all instances of addiction, and most will need an aftercare program or additional treatment in a more long-term residential setting.

People can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in substance abuse, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehab facilities available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.