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.

Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass 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 rehabilitation centers 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 affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is offered to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab, and there are a lot of drug treatment centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should explore 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 program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive vital treatment services for substance abuse at a variety of drug rehabilitation centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.