Drug rehabilitation services which are offered on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation center. An outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program delivers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol rehab center where the person is required to stay and reside at the rehab program until treatment is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but also need a comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide additional support and treatment to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to become fully rehabilitated. 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. Drug rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately treat real mental health conditions 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 disorders off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and healthy.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise a significant 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 rehab programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the individual'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 rehabilitation facilities available which provide these services. 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 walking into drug treatment centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug rehabilitation facilities are prepared to deliver services to Spanish speaking individuals. 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 clients.

Self payment drug treatment programs are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug or alcohol rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a substance abuse rehabilitation program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several facilities so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

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 by Medicare, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of drug and alcohol treatment programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, 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.