Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must handle both issues in order to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to ease symptoms of mental health disorders, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, creates symptoms which mimic mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. 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 issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Gays and Lesbians can sometimes have distinctive treatment needs when receiving substance abuse rehabilitation. A specialized curriculum and treatment environment which is conducive to the needs of gays and lesbians is available at certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs 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 beneficial for gays and lesbians to be in a supportive atmosphere which doesn't judge them or segregate them due to their sexual preference.

There are more and more Spanish speaking clients walking into drug rehabilitation programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a prevalent language in this country, many drug and alcohol treatment facilities are prepared to deliver treatment services to Spanish speaking clients. 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.

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 such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are a lot of drug rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug treatment facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to reap the full benefits 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 by Medicare, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.