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.

It is not unusual for persons with HIV/AIDS to end up in a drug treatment program in search of help for severe addiction problems. Sometimes individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are predisposed to such diseases because of certain circumstances which afflict the drug culture such as sharing dirty needles to inject drugs or becoming involved in risky sexual behavior because of lowered sexual inhibitions caused by drug use. Persons with HIV/AIDS should have effective rehabilitation just like any otherwise healthy addicted individual. Drug treatment centers that accept and cater to persons with HIV/AIDS provide specialized care to address any health issues that may come up in the course of treatment. This way, any physical barriers to recovery are alleviated so that they can conquer their addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is offered at certain drug treatment programs across the nation which recognize the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will encounter during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other person in treatment, however it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive setting which doesn't judge them or segregate them because of their sexual preference.

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 rehab facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction issues. 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 seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences occur.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol treatment programs are capable of providing services to Spanish speaking individuals. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and care needed for Spanish speaking clients.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a variety of drug rehab facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who wish to receive help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.