Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders must address both issues in order to become fully rehabilitated. Some individuals take drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health complications, and some individuals take drugs which then, in turn, causes 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 appropriately 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 problems off of drugs and mentally stable and healthy.

Whether it is evident 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 rehab facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. 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 arise.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to individuals 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 assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug rehabilitation, and there are a lot of drug rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehab facilities 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. 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 such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect 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 plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive vital treatment services for addiction at a variety of drug treatment centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.