Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some people take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health problems, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health disorders in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping individuals with mental health disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

People can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more susceptible 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 required. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab programs available which cater to these needs. Professional treatment counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a widespread language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are capable of providing treatment to Spanish speaking clients. Additionally, many counselors and therapists make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the support and therapy needed for Spanish speaking people.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to people 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 rehab, and there are many drug treatment programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug rehabilitation 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 explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits of such a program.

Some individuals are covered through state financed insurance because they do not qualify for Medicaid. Some states however offer affordable health insurance to those individuals who cannot afford private health insurance plans. State financed health insurance programs will in some cases cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug rehab centers around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation providers. To find out which treatment facilities will accept state financed insurance, speak with a drug treatment professional.