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 to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, 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 problems in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the person. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have unique treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment setting which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is obtainable at certain drug rehabilitation facilities around the country which understand the unique needs and challenges which gays and lesbians will experience during recovery. Gay and lesbians can achieve full rehabilitation and recovery just like any other individual in treatment, although it can be helpful for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive environment which doesn't judge them or alienate them because of their sexual preference.

Criminal justice clients frequently need substance abuse treatment because of their problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to the nature of the criminal justice system, there are distinct steps and guidelines that must be adhered to in order to be admitted into a criminal justice substance abuse rehabilitation center or recovery program. The first step is to establish the criminal justice clients eligibility. This step is accomplished by a panel of officials who determine how much and what type of drug or alcohol is necessary. Often, the criminal justice clients obtain their drug and alcohol rehabilitation while they are incarcerated. For the best possible results, they are encouraged, if not strictly directed, to continue their recovery once they leave jail and enroll in a sober living home or a therapeutic community.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients enrolling into drug treatment facilities every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities are capable of providing services to Spanish speaking people. 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 individuals.

People who speak other languages, other than English that is, should receive substance abuse treatment which is on par with English speakers. Speakers of other languages should not feel that their treatment curriculum or treatment setting is going to be any less effective because they don't speak English. There are quite a few drug rehabilitation programs available which cater to those who speak foreign languages, all of which provide a variety of programs to choose from. For example, some drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide services for individuals who speak other languages are only short term rehab facilities, but there are more long term options available. Foreign language speakers should consult with a treatment professional in their area to choose a drug rehabilitation facility that provides rehabilitation services in their specific language.