Hearing impaired persons generally have an increased risk of substance abuse issues because of their impairment, and rehabilitation services have to be available which serves their needs. People who are hearing impaired can appear isolated, lack motivation, and be without goals for their impairment. Many hearing impaired individuals then opt to self medicate with alcohol or drugs to numb this pain and experience a temporary escape from the psychological and emotional challenges that accompany having this handicap in daily life. In the first place, detecting a drug and alcohol abuse problem among the hearing impaired can be a challenge, since these individuals may attempt to hide their problem as a result of social stigmas that come with drug use. However, alcohol and drug treatment counselors who provide treatment to hearing impaired individuals see the challenges that these clients face. ASL treatment services are definitely a must, as well as rehab services which address the particular challenges that hearing impaired individuals encounter. Group therapy provides a forum for important peer interactions to ensure rehabilitation clients can know that they're not alone, and that there is hope to handle their problem with alcohol and drugs. Individual counseling services could be more tailored for each person so that their own challenges can be treated in treatment.