Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a wide variety of substance abuse treatment programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.