Anybody can become addicted to drugs or alcohol no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more vulnerable to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the various challenges that this can bring about in the individual'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 necessary. Deaf or hearing impaired persons will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol rehab facilities available which provide these services. Professional treatment 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 offered to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab, and there are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 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 acquire the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.