Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, causes symptoms which are identical to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to distinguish 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 problems off of drugs and mentally stable and happy.

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 rehab centers 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 find treatment before any long term consequences come about.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other circumstances including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are many drug and alcohol treatment programs 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 provide 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 affects many older Americans and seniors, and this issue is projected to only worsen in the coming years. 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 benefits to receive treatment services for addiction 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 fit his or her particular needs.

Some individuals are covered through state financed insurance because they do not meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Some states however offer affordable health insurance to those who cannot afford private health insurance. State financed health insurance programs will in some cases cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a variety of drug and alcohol rehab centers around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment services. To find out which rehab programs will accept state financed insurance, speak with a substance abuse treatment professional.