Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment 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 find treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Individuals 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 drug or alcohol use, because of the varying challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for those people 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 require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug treatment programs available which provide these services. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

Self payment substance abuse rehabilitation centers are an excellent alternative to other types of rehabilitation programs i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. Individuals who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire treatment 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 rehabilitation program. In order to learn more about self payment at a specific program, make contact with a drug rehab center and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors including whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment, and there are many drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver 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 look for 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 affects 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 Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of substance abuse rehab centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

If a person is abusing drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, many effective drug rehabilitation facilities accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial substance abuse rehab programs which provide an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those people who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to paying for a drug treatment program. For additional information, speak with with a treatment professional at a substance abuse treatment program in your area to see which services your private health insurance will cover.

Military health insurance usually refers to TRICARE and is a commonly recognized insurance for certain drug rehabilitation programs. A drug rehab that accepts military insurance will usually accept most other types of insurance as well. TRICARE usually covers detox, rehabilitation and outpatient treatment.