Prevalence of Persons with Disabilities in Alcohol/Other Drug Treatment in the United States

Abstract

Although prior research has indicated that rates of substance abuse by persons with disabilities (PWDs) are substantial and that barriers exist that inhibit the ability of such individuals to engage in treatment, no research to date has examined the rates of PWD treatment participation nationally. This study provides an analysis of PWD participation in substance abuse treatment in a nationally representative sample of 431 centers from across the United States. Findings indicated that only about 5% of clients served during the year prior to survey had a disability. Treatment centers in the northern United States were more likely to have provided services to select groups of PWDs than those located in other regions, as were those programs located within hospitals.

KEYWORDS:

• Persons with disabilities
• substance abuse treatment
• treatment participation