NCJ Number
172713
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides an overview of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, disability, and the relationship between the two issues.
Abstract
The incidence of alcohol and other drug abuse among people with certain disabilities is above the national average for the general population, possibly ranging from 15 to 30 percent of all people with disabilities. Risk factors for alcohol and other drug abuse among people with disabilities can be divided into five categories: (1) Health and Medical (problems related to use of medications, chronic pain); (2) Psychological (enabling by others motivated by misplaced feelings of compassion, guilt, frustration or camaraderie; increased stress on family life; adjustment to disability); (3) Social (peer group differences; fewer social supports; isolation); (4) Economic and Employment (underemployment or unemployment; financial concerns); and (5) Access (lack of access to alcohol and other drug resources and services as the result of different learning styles, cognitive or sensory limitations, and physical access issues). The booklet examines myths and facts about people with disabilities and drug-related issues, the definition of prevention, prevention strategies, and resources for prevention and intervention programs.