Unfortunately, many people with disabilities will find themselves struggling with substance abuse issues. One key to getting back on the road to recovery is to arm yourself with plenty of up-to-date and actionable information.
With so many details to check into and keep track of regarding substance abuse and disabled people, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with what can seem like an avalanche of facts and figures. We frequently get calls from patients and caregivers asking for guidance, which is why we are proud to offer you the following substance abuse resources. They are designed to quickly help you get up to speed and the following is objective information from the U.S. government and other authoritative sources.
Read on for information about substance abuse amongst physically disabled people, a population that has been hit particularly hard by the overprescription of opiates in America:
Substance Abuse and Disability: This classroom teacher guide includes a review of substance abuse research literature, noting that 10% to 40% of all people getting treatment for substance abuse also have a disability.
The Caregiver’s Guide to Overdose Response for Disabled Patients: A document from DrugRehab.org focusing on three main aspects of drug overdoses, from awareness to prevention to preparedness. It also explains what caregivers should do in case of an overdose emergency.
Substance Use Disorders in People With Physical and Sensory Disabilities: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides details into substance abuse disorder and the nature of its effect on people who have disabilities, with an eye toward improving their outcomes.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment For People With Physical and Cognitive Disabilities: This book published by SAMSHA / Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is number 29 in a series about treatment improvement protocol. The idea is to gain a better understanding of substance abuse issues and how treatment providers can make better accommodations to those with disabilities.
Home Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Recovery: Use this resource from Redfin to learn how to make home modifications to provide better comfort when going through recovery.
Substance Abuse and Physical Disability: This book addresses the problems that arise when a person has both a physical disability and a substance abuse problem. Read it for insight into chemical dependency and the additional problems it poses to those with disabilities, and then delve into the various solutions it recommends.
