Drug or alcohol rehab programs which are provided on an outpatient basis are readily available to addicted individuals who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehab facility. An outpatient drug rehabilitation program provides many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug or alcohol treatment program where the individual is expected to stay and reside at the rehabilitation facility until treatment has been fully completed. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab is also offered for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare program which will offer further support and treatment to help them avoid relapse.

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, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction treatment professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to properly treat real mental health conditions in tandem with any other substance abuse treatment that is done with the individual. This has proven to be effective in keeping people with mental health issues off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and happy.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 rehabilitation facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. 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 find treatment before any long term consequences occur.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available 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 rehabilitation, and there are many drug rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, usually 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 acquire the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem continues to grow as each year passes. 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 drug or alcohol addiction at a variety of drug and alcohol rehab facilities around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and seniors who wish to receive help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.