Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this problem continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive vital treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of substance abuse treatment facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.