Hospital inpatient substance abuse treatment is done in a hospital setting and is overseen by doctors and other medical staff. Hospital inpatient treatment is sometimes necessary in the beginning stages of abstinence when the client may experience the onset of life threatening withdrawal symptoms, which is sometimes the case when quitting alcohol as well as a category of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines which must be monitored very carefully by medical professionals in case of any complications. Hospital inpatient treatment is also delivered to individuals who desire a medication assisted withdrawal, as is the case with opiate addicted individuals who wish to use this type of detox approach to avoid the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin or other opiate withdrawal. This type of opiate detox is not treatment in itself however, and these people will need additional counseling and therapy to fully recover from addiction.

Drug or alcohol treatment programs which are delivered on an outpatient basis are available to addicted people who have circumstances which prevent them from being able to take part in an inpatient rehab center. An outpatient substance abuse rehab program offers many of the same services as an inpatient program, but allows for flexibility as opposed to an inpatient drug rehab facility where the person is required to remain at the treatment center until the treatment process is complete. Outpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation is also offered for individuals who have completed residential or inpatient treatment but require a comprehensive aftercare program which will offer additional support and therapy to help them avoid relapse.

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 centers 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 locate rehabilitation before any long term consequences arise.

Self payment substance abuse rehab centers are an excellent alternative to other types of treatment facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded facilities. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehab process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their substance abuse rehab program. To learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a substance abuse rehab program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities so that you have a comparison of your choices regarding rehab options and payment methods.

Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this issue continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance plan 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 variety of substance abuse rehab centers around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.