It is not widely known that people with disabilities are at a higher risk for misusing alcohol and drugs than the general population. Many people with disabilities can turn to alcohol and/or drugs to ease their social isolation and long lasting pain. For women, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse can have a devastating effect on their health. Women who abuse these substances are at higher risk for sexual assault, unprotected sex, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. Alcohol and drugs also can hurt puberty and fertility, and can cause dangerous interactions with prescription drugs. Unfortunately, due to physical complications, all of these problems caused by substance abuse can be even more harmful in women with disabilities.

Last updated: August 2004

Publications

1.   Alcohol Impairment Chart - This fact sheet offers information about the different affects alcohol can have on men and women.
   
   
2.   ATOD Resource List: People with Disabilities - This fact sheet contains recommendations from the Resource Center on Substance Abuse Prevention and Disability for including persons with disabilities in prevention or intervention programs.
   
   
3.   Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator - This Internet site can help you locate a substance abuse treatment facility in your area.
   
   
4.   Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 29 - CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) are best practice guidelines for the treatment of substance use disorders. CSAT's Office of Evaluation, Scientific Analysis and Synthesis draws on the experience and knowledge of clinical, research, and administrative experts to produce the TIPs, which are distributed to a growing number of facilities and individuals across the country.
   
   

Organizations

1.   Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS
   
   
2.   Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS
   
   
3.   National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), SAMSHA, HHS
   
   
4.   National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, HHS
   
   
5.   National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
   
   
6.   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, OPHS, HHS
   
   
7. American Council for Drug Education
   
   
8. American Council on Alcoholism
   
   
9. American Counseling Association
   
   
10. American Society of Addiction Medicine
    
    
11. Do It Now Foundation
    
    
12. Join Together Online
    
    
13. Narcotics Anonymous
    
    
14. National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
    
    
15. National Substance Abuse Helplines
    
    
16. Nicotine Anonymous® World Services
    
    

= Indicates Federal Resources