Drug treatment services which are provided on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to participate in an inpatient rehabilitation program. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab program where the person is required to remain at the treatment program until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also available for those who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a thorough aftercare and relapse prevention program which will provide further support and therapy to help them remain clean and sober.

Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues if there is any hope for them to recover completely. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health problems, and some people take drugs which then, in turn, brings about symptoms which are identical to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Addiction rehabilitation professionals know how to differentiate between the two, and can work with clients to appropriately 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 individuals with mental health problems off of drugs and alcohol and mentally stable and productive.

Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise 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 programs which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation 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 seek treatment before any long term consequences occur.

Individuals can become addicted to drugs no matter their handicap, disability or personal physical challenge. This sometimes makes individuals particularly more susceptible to becoming involved in drug or alcohol use, because of the difficult challenges that this can bring about in the person's life. This is true for individuals in the deaf and hearing impaired community as well, and treatment for substance abuse and addiction is sometimes needed. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals will require ASL or other assistance as part of their treatment needs, and there are drug and alcohol treatment programs available which cater to these needs. Professional substance abuse counselors who know ASL and can provide other necessary assistance to deaf or hearing impaired substance abusers.

There increasing numbers of Spanish speaking clients enrolling into substance abuse rehab programs every day needing help. Because Spanish is such a common language in this country, many drug and alcohol treatment programs are prepared to deliver services to Spanish speaking people. Additionally, many treatment professionals make it a point to learn the language so as to be able to provide the treatment and therapy needed for Spanish speaking individuals.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is made available to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other factors 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 rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol treatment programs which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only provide such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. Individuals 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 can effect 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 plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for addiction at a wide variety of substance abuse treatment centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.