This article analyzes utilization patterns for Medicare detoxification and rehabilitation services in 2001 and 2002.  Findings show that disabled persons are more likely to have co-occurring conditions and serious mental illnesses than elderly persons and that disabled claimants are more likely to receive detoxification services than elderly claimants.   

Vandivort-Warren, R., Teich, J. L., Cowell, A. J., & Chen, H. (2008). Utilization of substance abuse treatment services under Medicare, 2001-2002. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(4): 414-419. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2008.08.007. http://www.journalofsubstanceabusetreatment.com/article/S0740-5472(08)00141-4/abstract 

Authors: Rita Vandivort-Warren, Judith L. Teich, Alexandra J. Cowell, Hong Chen