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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
www.samhsa.gov

Substance Use Disorders and Disability : A Guide to Recovery From Co-Existing Disorders

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What are co-existing disorders?
Co-existing disorders occur when an individual has 1) a substance use disorder such as alcohol abuse or any misuse, dependence or addiction to legal or illegal drugs, and 2) a physical or cognitive condition or illness such as mental retardation, learning disorders, HIV/AIDS, spinal or brain injuries, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Identifying co-existing disorders is critical to getting successful treatment but it also can be challenging. Some conditions and illnesses may not be readily apparent. Others are so prominent that they mask or seem more critical than an individual's substance disorder. And, because of physical, communications or attitudinal barriers, some individuals may have limited interaction with others so their substance disorder may go unnoticed.

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Additionally, because of the tremendous stigma associated with having both a physical or cognitive condition and a substance use disorder, the chances that people with co-existing disorders receive proper treatment are further decreased.

Does a disability increase the chance of developing co-existing disorders?
Yes, people with conditions or illnesses have a greater than average risk for developing substance use disorders. Unemployment, isolation, homelessness, victimization, physical abuse and pain are all experiences that may cause individuals to use or become addicted to substances as a means of escape.

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Substance use rates for people with conditions such as deafness, arthritis or multiple sclerosis are at least double general population estimates. A Wisconsin survey showed that persons with spinal cord injuries, orthopedic problems, vision impairment and/or amputations can be classified as heavy drinkers in approximately 40 to 50 percent of cases.

What should I do if I suspect a co-existing disorder is the problem?
Ask a qualified professional for a proper screening and assessment to find out if you or someone you care about has a co-existing substance use disorder. It is natural to be afraid to seek help for a substance use disorder because of what others might think or say. Many individuals with conditions have dealt with discrimination throughout
their lives, and the fear of continued or increased discrimination is very real. But these barriers can and must be overcome for recovery to be possible.

Where can I go to find help?
Finding the substance use treatment programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of individuals can be challenging. Often, those in need of treatment require the assistance of family and friends. But recovery is possible. Some people with co-existing disorders can be successfully treated in more traditional treatment programs. Others may require more specialized assistance. But effective help is available if you know what to look for and which questions to ask.

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Do not be afraid to seek help. There are many resources to help you find an appropriate treatment setting. Remember that the journey on the road to recovery always begins with just one step. The resources provided in this brochure will help you take it.

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Where there's help, there's hope.

Federal Resources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Suite 13C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
www.samhsa.gov • www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's National Helpline
800-662-HELP (Toll-Free)
800-487-4889 (TDD) (Toll-Free)
877-767-8432 (Spanish) (Toll-Free)

SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Room 17-99
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-2792 • www.cmhs.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-5052 • www.csat.samhsa.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20011
800-827-1000 (Toll-Free)
800-829-4833 (TDD) (Toll-Free)

Non-Federal Resources:
This is just a sampling of available resources. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement.

American Society of Addiction Medicine
4601 North Park Avenue,
Upper Arcade, Suite 101
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4520
301-656-3920 • www.asam.org

Disabled American Veterans
3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
859-441-7300 • www.day.org

National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors
808 17th Street, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006
202-293-0090 • www.nasadad.org

National Association on Alcohol, Drugs and Disability, Inc.
2165 Bunker Hill Drive
San Mateo, CA 94402-3801
650-578-8047 • www.naadd.org

DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 04-3941
NCADI Publication No. PHD1080
Special thanks to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their assistance.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and mental health Services Administration
Center for Substance Abuse treatment
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857

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