Everyone has different needs when it comes to treatment for substance misuse or substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction. Finding a treatment program that meets those needs is an important part of recovery.

Specialized drug rehab programs offer addiction treatment that also addresses the specific needs of diverse populations, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community or veterans. These types of drug rehab programs can foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for recovery.

Read on to learn more about the different types of drug rehab programs available to you, and how to take the next step in seeking help.

Types of Specialized Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

People often have multiple needs that can impact treatment, which is why an individualized program can aid in recovery.¹ According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective treatment programs address any medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems a person may have, in addition to substance use disorder (SUD). Treatment should also consider a person’s age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.¹

For example, people who struggle with SUD often have a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression.¹ Research shows that treatment that addresses both conditions at the same time is superior to treating each condition separately.²

For marginalized groups like members of the LGBTQ+ community and veterans, specialized rehab programs can offer support that acknowledges their unique challenges, such as discrimination, stigma, and trauma.

Drug Addiction Rehab Programs for the LGBTQ+ Community

People who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of substance misuse than those who identify as heterosexual.³The unique stressors that LGBTQ+ people face, such as discrimination and stigma, can lead to maladaptive coping strategies, such as substance use, and create barriers to treatment.³ People in the population often experience higher rates of co-occurring disorders as well, such as anxiety or depression.³

Some treatment facilities offer LGBTQ+ drug rehab programs that are specifically designed to help address the multiple needs of members of this community. While LGBTQ+ drug rehab programs vary, you can expect to receive addiction treatment in an affirming, inclusive, and supportive environment with staff who understand the unique challenges you face.⁴

As a part of the recovery process, treatment can help address potential feelings a person might struggle with about their gender identity, sexual orientation, or internalized homophobia if necessary.⁴

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs for Veterans

Veterans may struggle with different mental and physical health conditions, including substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).⁵ Exposure to unique risk factors and the nature of work can play a role in these conditions.⁵

Specialized drug rehab programs for veterans are designed to address these concerns and help veterans with their unique needs throughout treatment. While veteran drug and alcohol rehab programs differ, treatment often involves a combination of therapies, medication as needed, and support for co-occurring mental health disorders. Programs for Veterans with specific concerns (e.g., homeless veterans, returning combat veterans, and women veterans) are also available.⁶

Executive and Luxury Drug Addiction Rehab Programs

Executive rehabs cater specifically to the needs of executives or professionals who may need to maintain their job responsibilities, while luxury rehabs offer care in a more upscale setting.

Like other types of rehabs, executive and luxury rehab programs offer evidence-based therapies and treatments, but with additional amenities and services. For example, executive rehab programs may provide patients with offices and permit the use of cell phones and laptops so they can maintain their job responsibilities. Luxury rehab programs may provide treatment in a resort-like atmosphere. They may offer private rooms and access to different amenities, such as massages, spas, and other complementary or alternative therapies like art therapy, meditation, and yoga.

Holistic Drug Addiction Rehab Programs

Holistic drug rehab programs integrate traditional, evidence-based therapies while also offering a range of complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches.⁷ These may include modalities like acupuncture, medication, and nutrition.⁷

Those who are interested in pursuing recovery that involves an integrated mental, physical, and spiritual model may benefit from holistic drug rehabs. These programs promote a “whole person” approach to recovery. Research shows that combining certain holistic or CAM approaches with traditional addiction treatment can be an effective way of addressing substance use disorder (SUD).⁷

Long-Term Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

A long-term rehab program, also referred to as residential treatment, can be a beneficial setting for patients with severe substance use disorder (SUD) who have been unable to enter sustained recovery with other forms of treatment, and patients who don’t have sufficient family or social support.⁸ Long-term rehab programs offer a stable living environment so patients can focus on recovery for an extended period.⁸

Different drug rehab programs can vary in duration depending on a patient’s unique needs. They can last a few months to a year or more if necessary.⁸ A long-term rehab may offer additional benefits for patients who require more support. This can include GED programs, job skills training classes, or career training, as well as special programs (e.g., childcare or parenting classes) for pregnant women or women with young children who need to bring their child to treatment with them.⁸

30-Day Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

30-day drug rehab is a shorter-term type of residential treatment that is designed to provide acute care to patients who are struggling with substance misuse. These programs can include detox services and transitional services to help patients enter ongoing treatment.¹ While a 30-day program can help patients begin their recovery journey, longer stays—preferably around 90 days—are associated with better outcomes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).¹

Affordable Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

Cost may be a barrier to treatment for some. Paying for rehab without insurance may seem daunting, but there are many affordable programs to meet the needs of patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds.⁹

Affordable drug rehab programs may be offered by:⁹

Public and non-profit organizations. These can include organizations that offer services at no or low cost, such as the Salvation Army.
State-funded programs. States receive a certain amount of funding to provide addiction treatment services to people without insurance.
Community health centers. These programs may offer lower-cost treatment programs or payment assistance to people with low incomes.
Grants or scholarships. Some rehabs may offer financial support in the form of grants or scholarships to those who have demonstrated an inability to pay for the cost of treatment.
Sliding scales. Some organizations and rehabs offer sliding scale fees based on your income or ability to pay.
Loans. People might consider taking out loans or asking family or friends to help with paying for the cost of treatment.

There are many ways to pay for drug rehab. If you are insured, health insurance coverage for rehab may cover more than you think. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that addiction and mental health treatment are essential benefits, which means that insurance plans are required to provide some level of coverage for addiction treatment.^{10 (top)}Coverage can vary by plan, so you should check your benefits with your carrier, or can easily verify your insurance using our short online form.

Free Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

As mentioned, there may be free drug rehab programs available for patients with a demonstrated need. You may need to provide financial information, such as proof of income or tax returns, and verify the number of people in your household. Free programs may be funded by charitable or faith-based organizations, or through governmental assistance.⁹

State-Funded Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

State-funded drug rehab programs receive a certain amount of funding from the government to provide rehab for those without insurance.⁹ You may need to provide documentation of income or family size or meet other requirements to qualify.⁹

Levels of Drug Rehab

Different types of addiction treatment may involve detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare services.^{1 (p. 21, p. 22)} Some patients start with detox before transitioning to a form of ongoing care, depending on their needs.¹

As mentioned, effective treatment should be individualized for a patient’s unique needs.¹ Most types of ongoing treatment involve behavioral therapies, including individual, group, and/or family therapy, as well as medication if necessary.¹

Inpatient or Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

Inpatient drug rehab programs involve living onsite at a rehab for the duration of treatment.⁸ Patients receive round-the-clock care in a supportive environment where they can fully focus on recovery and participate in different therapies and treatments.⁸

Inpatient/residential programs can be beneficial for patients who need a higher level of support and care, such as those with severe addictions or co-occurring disorders, those without stable living environments, or patients without supportive family or friends.⁸

Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

Outpatient drug rehab programs allow patients to continue living at home but require traveling to rehab on a set schedule for treatment. They can take place on a variety of levels of addiction treatment, with highly-intensive programs like partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) requiring attendance most days of the week, to less supportive programs that may only require attending treatment 1-3 days per week in the evenings or on weekends.⁸

Most outpatient programs offer similar therapies that are available at inpatient programs, but the main difference is that you can leave the rehab afterward. Outpatient programs are generally suitable for patients with less severe addictions or co-occurring disorders, patients with reliable transportation, and those with supportive home environments, family, and friends.⁸

If you’re ready to find addiction treatment, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. With facilities across the country, AAC offers various types of drug rehab programs to suit a diverse range of patients. Contact us by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or verify your insurance now and reach out for more information later. Our compassionate admissions navigators are here to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and help you begin the admissions process once you’re ready.