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10% of the U.S. adult population struggles with substance abuse disorder. Drug and alcohol addiction lead to serious, wide-spread societal problems that drain the economy of billions of dollars per year. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol abuse-possess strong social stigmas that make it hard for addicts and their families to reach out and get the help they are in need. Law enforcement and other authoritative bodies tend to view substance abuse disorder as a crime in need of punishment instead of a health problem that can be alleviated with integrated therapeutic approaches and medication.
Complicating matters further is that certain mental and physical disabilities can worsen existing addictions or compel someone to rely on drugs and alcohol for relief. The following article will explore how physical and mental disabilities influence addiction risk profiles and substance abuse rates.
What disabilities facilitate higher rates of addiction?
Up to half of all people who enter rehab for drug and alcohol addiction struggle with a co-morbid condition. Comorbidity refers to an illness or disability that occurs alongside someone’s battle with substance abuse and addiction disorder. In some cases, these disabilities can cause someone to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in search of relief. But, sometimes a physical or mental disability can form as a result of drug and alcohol abuse, especially if the abuse is long-term.
Studies indicate that the overall lifetime presence of substance abuse rates hover at 34% for people who are not disabled, and 40% for people with disabilities, both physical and mental. It is a marked difference. Also, while 10% of the adult population of the U.S. struggles with addiction, up to 50% of people with disabilities, both physical and mental, have problems with substance abuse disorder.
The most common physical disabilities that facilitate substance abuse disorder are:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Deafness
- Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
Sometimes intoxication can lead to physical disability, and this is common with severe motor vehicle crashes. Substance abuse or misuse is one of the leading causes of many traumatic, and lifelong injuries. When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, alcohol intoxication rates at the time of injury range between 36% and 51%. Unfortunately, substance abuse post-injury tends to undermine rehabilitation gains significantly.
When it comes to mental disabilities and mental health disorders, the rates of drug abuse and alcohol dependency are markedly high. The National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that mental disorder patients are responsible for:
- 44% of all cocaine consumption
- 38% of alcohol consumption
- 40% of cigarette and tobacco consumption
The most common mental health disabilities with a direct connection to substance abuse rates are as follows:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- ADHD
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
Studies indicate that one in four people with a severe mental health condition, as defined by one that has caused severe functional impairment within the last year, struggle with drug abuse and addiction. For people who struggle with a mental disorder or disability, adolescence and young adulthood are particularly vulnerable times for these individuals. It is during adolescence that the first signs of mental health disorders tend to manifest. Also, major life stages and transitions occur during the late teens and early twenties. People with mental health disorders that are at risk for substance abuse during these transitional ages need continuous, coordinated support to navigate this stressful time. Otherwise, they are at risk of developing a dangerous comorbid substance abuse disorder.
How are people with physical and mental disabilities treated for substance abuse disorder?
Extensive research and comprehensive, scientific literature greatly indicate the need for integrated and coordinated care for those with physical and mental disabilities and comorbidity. But only 18% of substance abuse disorder treatment facilities and 9% of mental health treatment organizations have the tools to treat dually diagnosed patients adequately. There are many barriers to treatment for comorbid patients in the U.S.
- Substance abuse treatment is kept separate from the general health care system. Because substance abuse treatment and treatment for disabilities is approached in a fragmented manner, it’s hard for patients to get care that addresses the spectrum of their needs entirely.
- There is a lingering, entrenched bias in many substance abuse treatment facilities and approaches regarding the use of medications to treat serious mental disabilities. Many substance abuse treatment centers do not employ physicians that can prescribe, dispense, and monitor a patient’s medication for these types of disabilities because of stigma or bias on the part of the treatment facility.
- Many disabled patients who would benefit from an integrated treatment approach are incarcerated instead. 45% of inmates in the U.S., struggle with a disability and comorbid substance abuse disorder. Prison and jail do not offer treatment for these inmates and their problems persist while imprisoned as well as after their release. Adequately treating people for these issues can mitigate future criminal acts and reduce burdens on individuals, society, and the criminal justice system.
Barriers to treatment may loom large, but there are many new treatment facilities in the U.S. that are leading the way for a revamping of the mental health, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment industries. Medical detox and rehab centers are filling the need for on-site doctors that can prescribe and monitor medications for disabled patients while they seek treatment for their substance abuse disorder. Also, the 2008 Parity Act, and the 2010 Affordable Care Act have increased access to coverage and treatment for disabled patients with comorbid disorders.
Healthcare reform provisions are increasing the quality of care for patients and improving the ability of disabled people to find evidence-based practices that approach disability and substance abuse treatment with integrated, holistic methods. For patients with sensitive and particular needs, it’s crucial that they can get access to treatment that encompasses the entire range of their health care and addiction needs. Disabled patients can recover from addiction when their care is coordinated between prescribing physicians, social workers, rehab specialists, and counselors.
If you or a loved are struggling with a disability and substance abuse, please reach out to a qualified rehabilitation specialist and get the help you need.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance abuse issue, please contact our admissions team today for a free and confidential assessment. Find the care you all need.