Northeast > Resources > Topic Specific > Diverse Populations > Disabled youth: ATOD

What are the special concerns regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth with disabilities?

Young people with disabilities experience substance abuse risks at a disproportionately high level compared to their non-disabled peers. Having a disability poses unique risk factors for developing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems, and, conversely, substance use poses special risk factors for those with disabilities. These risks include:

• Prescribed medications that can interact with other substances

• Chronic medical problems that weaken resistance to drugs, or that invite self-medication

• Isolation and disenfranchisement of youth with disabilities

• Lack of recreational alternatives

Some advocates note that while policies of inclusion may greatly enhance the lives and opportunities for youth with disabilities, they may also expose young people to peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Unfortunately, many substance abuse prevention programs and curricula are not adapted or suited for youth with disabilities. Many school policies and programs tend to focus on other mainstreaming and inclusion challenges, giving less attention to health promotion and disease prevention activities. Some important environmental, accessibility and treatment considerations particular to this population also need to be addressed when developing substance abuse prevention programs.

       Please contact the Northeast CAPT at capt@edc.org for more information.