Hospital inpatient drug or alcohol treatment is carried out in a hospital setting and is overseen by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the person may experience the onset of life threatening withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes true when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which must be monitored very carefully by medical professionals to minimize ant dangerous health complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to those who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detox technique to avoid the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detoxification is not considered full rehabilitation and these people will require additional counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Drug rehab services which are delivered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment center where the person is expected to stay and reside at the rehab program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehab is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will provide additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise a considerable percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug and alcohol treatment programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate treatment before any long term consequences occur.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. 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 benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of drug and alcohol treatment programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.