Bad mouthing, bad habits and bad, bad, boys: an exploration of the relationship between dyslexia and drug dependence

Abstract

This was a largely exploratory attempt to consider the relationship, if such a relationship exists, between dyslexia and drug dependence. Dyslexia is popularly considered to be a disability which affects the individual's ability to read and write. However, there is a considerable body of evidence indicating that dyslexia is far more than a literacy problem. Dyslexics, particularly in adulthood, are more likely to exhibit poor capacity for memory-span tasks, issues of organisational incapacity and physical awkwardness (dyspraxia) with various coping strategies having been developed over the years, to neutralise difficulties with reading and writing. As a first step, this study sought to establish whether dyslexia is more prevalent amongst a drug treatment population than within the wider community. In addition, this study sought to examine any correlation between levels of severity in dyslexia and dependence. Finally, this study offered an opportunity for a small sample of drug users to offer their thoughts as to whether there is any connection between the two issues; to what extent reading difficulties were an issue in their life prior to drugs; and the impact upon their experience of addiction treatment systems. A sample of 50 drug treatment clients was tested for dyslexia and dependence severity and the results were correlated. Results showed that prevalence of dyslexia within this population is over 40% compared to estimates of 4–5% in the general population. Moreover, the dyslexic drug dependents exhibited significantly more problematic behaviours than their non-dyslexic counterparts. There appears to be a strong association between drug dependence and a diagnosis of dyslexia. There is good reason to believe that this could impact upon their experience of and use of treatment services. In addition, further study is required to explore the nature of the relationship and any underlying causal factors.

Keywords:

• dependence
• dyslexia
• learning difficulties
• dyspraxia
• comorbidity

Notes

There is, however, substantial evidence of significantly different brain-pattern activity in information processing in dyslexics and non-dyslexics (Best & Demb, 1999; Geschwind & Galaburda, 1985; Springer & Deutsch, 1998).

Only five members of this subgroup were in receipt of detoxifying doses and this was at levels adjudged to be of little significance in terms of cognition.

The earliest age for consumption of cannabis was 11 years in the case of one interviewee who had been inducted into cannabis smoking by an elder sister.

However, it should be noted that this information was gleaned from field notes taken during pre-test discussions. It could quite easily be the case that more were actually diagnosed and that this information was simply not disclosed during these discussions.