Assessment and Treatment for Persons with Coexisting Ability and Substance Use Issues: A Review and Analysis of the Literature

Abstract

Persons with ability issues are at considerably higher risk to develop substance use problems when compared to the general population. Yet, little is known about the current status of substance use treatment for this population. A comprehensive search of the literature revealed a need for (a) population-specific instruments for screening and assessment of the use of alcohol and drugs, including the misuse of prescription medication; (b) tailored treatment methods and individualized treatment plans that meet diverse literacy or cognitive needs;

Individuals With Visual Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations for Counselors

“…CAGE is an acronym of the four questions in the assessment (cut, annoyed, guilty, eye‐opener). Another SUD screening instrument is the Substance Abuse in Vocational Rehabilitation Screener (Novotna et al, ), which expands on the specificity and sensitivity while also minimizing respondent burden. Furthermore, Laplante‐Leévesque, Hickson, and Worrall () validated the use of the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change (also known as the Stages of Change Model) and treatment matching when working with individuals with sensory disabilities.…”

“…The prevalence rate of SUDs among individuals with visual disabilities is over 50% (Koch et al, 2002;NAADD, 1998;Novotna et al, 2017). Koch et al (2002) hypothesized that there are three potential interactions between visual disabilities and SUDs.…”

“…Individuals with visual disabilities encounter additional stigma related to negative public and professional attitudes (Koch et al, 2002;Novotna et al, 2017). These attitudes include viewing the individual as incompetent, incapable, and lacking intelligence because of the disability (Csiernik & Brideau, 2013).…”

“…These attitudes include viewing the individual as incompetent, incapable, and lacking intelligence because of the disability (Csiernik & Brideau, 2013). Studies suggest that helping professionals' attitudinal accommodations are often the most important adjustments made to ensure positive treatment outcomes (Novotna et al, 2017). Therefore, counselors should familiarize themselves with the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC; Ratts, Singh, Nassar-McMillan, Butler, & McCullough, 2016), as well as the social model of disability (Baker & Donelly, 2001) and capabilities framework (Burchardt, 2004) before engaging clients with visual disabilities in counseling.…”

“…First, counselors must provide these clients with alternative formats (e.g., Braille, assistive technology, or large print) to promote the therapeutic process and enhance participation in treatment (Csiernik & Brideau, 2013). Second, counselors must be willing to communicate and collaborate with other service delivery systems in which the client is involved (Helwig & Holicky, 1994;Koch et al, 2002;Novotna et al, 2017). For example, creating a professional dialogue with the vocational rehabilitation department not only enhances services for clients but also is best practice when working with individuals with disabilities (Weinstock & Barker, 1995).…”