People with Physical Disabilities Admitted to a Residential Addiction Treatment Program

This exploratory study used data on admissions to a 28-day residential addiction treatment program to explore differences between disabled and nondisabled cases with respect to patterns of substance use and other characteristics. Relationships between length and type of disability, substance use, and other characteristics were also explored. The focus was on cases aged 18 to 65 identified as having physical disabilities that limit participation in the work force. The results showed that 5.3% of the sample reported disabilities which prevented them from working, and a further 8.6% reported that physical disabilities limited their participation in the work force. The results also showed that self-identified problems with tranquilizers were more common among the disabled than the nondisabled and that more severely disabled people are more likely to report attempting suicide and to express the need for mental health counseling. Having prescriptions as a main source of drugs was also more common among females with major disabilities than among other groups. Priorities for further research are suggested.