Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to recover completely. Some people take drugs to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation 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 people with mental health disorders off of drugs and mentally stable and productive.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 rehabilitation 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 come about.

Anybody can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes people particularly more vulnerable 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 needed. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will need ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug rehabilitation facilities available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can offer other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full rewards of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this issue continues to grow as each year passes. 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 addiction at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.