Disability and Addiction: Substance Abuse Among the Physically Disabled

Link Between Disability and Addiction 

An addiction and disability can tragically become a pair. People with disabilities are more likely to suffer from substance use disorders than the general population, and they’re also less likely to receive the medical detox or addiction treatment needed for sobriety. 

The inverse can also be true. Individuals with drug or alcohol addictions are more likely to become disabled, either through accidental injury or as a result of long-term drug or alcohol abuse. 

Approximately 23 million people in the U.S. – including people with disabilities – need substance abuse treatment. People with disabilities may face additional barriers to addiction treatment, particularly when finding eligible treatment centers. While some studies have shown higher rates of legal and illegal drug use among people with disabilities than the general population, others have shown the contrary, making it difficult to pinpoint the full scope of this issue.3 

Individuals with disabilities battle unique stressors and challenges, such as social perspectives that see them as outsiders, an inability to qualify for certain careers, lack of access to certain benefits, and an inability to participate in certain activities to the extent that they would like. Many are also unemployed and did not graduate from high school, making it more likely that they’ll live in poverty. 

People who have disabilities are also more likely to be victims of violent crimes and struggle with health conditions like obesity and smoking. As you can imagine, all of these factors can contribute to a depressed state, which is why depression, anxiety, and unhealed trauma are common among individuals with disabilities. 

Due to challenges like mental illness, physical disability, lack of benefits and support, and others mentioned above, people with disabilities are likely to seek out comfort in drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, there’s a connection between disability and addiction to painkillers.  

People with disabilities are often prescribed strong prescription medications to battle painful conditions, and many of these medications have a high potential for abuse. Prescription opioids are particularly effective painkillers yet are among the most addictive drugs on the market. 

Did you know that people with disabilities are more likely to abuse opioids? Opioids are so addictive that even individuals that closely follow short-term prescription directions can easily become dependent and hooked. Once disabled individuals develop an addiction to prescription drugs, they will often switch over the cheaper alternatives, such as heroin. 

The physical and psychological risks of drug abuse are heightened for people with disabilities due to their existing conditions. In these cases, the body is more vulnerable to the drug’s effects. 

Is Drug Addiction a Disability?

Simply put, yes, drug addiction is a disability. Substance use disorders are considered disabilities in the U.S. under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 15557 of the Affordable Care Act.1 

Federally funded state agencies, also known as State Disability Determination Services (DDSs), are responsible for providing medical evidence and the initial determination or diagnosis of whether the person has a disability or not. Being that substance use disorders are disabilities under the ADA, individuals with addictions may be entitled to receive behavioral health services and benefits. 

However, this applies to situations where an impairment – or disability – persists outside of drug or alcohol use. According to the SSA, this decision involves:9 

• Establishing that the individual has a disability 
• Confirming medical evidence of the person’s drug addiction or alcoholism
• Determining whether the individual’s impairment would continue even after they’ve stopped using drugs or alcohol 

If the individual is eligible to receive paid benefits, then the SSA requires that they receive drug or alcohol treatment at an approved facility and that they comply with the terms, conditions, and requirements of the treatment. Paid benefits offered to people with disabilities include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).