Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some people take drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to correctly 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the individual's life. This is true for those people 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 need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol treatment programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

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