Listening to people with intellectual disabilities who misuse alcohol and drugs

Abstract

There is a dearth of research that has explored alcohol/drug use and misuse by people with intellectual disabilities. The aims of the present study were twofold: (1) to examine the insights of 10 people with intellectual disabilities into the reasons why they may misuse alcohol or drugs, and what impact this behaviour may have on them; and (2) to explore the services that they receive. Ten individuals with intellectual disabilities who were deemed to be misusing alcohol/drugs were purposively selected and interviewed. One overarching theme of the reasons for such misuse was labelled as 'self-medicating against life's negative experiences'. This was divided into two sub-themes: 'psychological trauma' and 'social distance from the community'. All the participants reported that their main source of support came from intellectual disability services, acting in both educational and liaison roles. Although seven of the individuals were referred to mainstream addiction services, they perceived this service as negative. In order to address these underlying problems, better access to a wider range of specialist services is required. Intellectual disability and mainstream addiction service providers also need to be more effective in the prevention and treatment of substance misuse by employing techniques such as motivational interviewing.

Traumatic experiences and life events in people with intellectual disability

“…A study of life histories [35] suggested that the development of a self-injury/self-harm conundrum in individuals with severe intellectual disabilities might be a response to traumatic life experiences. In this same line, and also through case studies, Taggart et al [36] found that the less frequent phenomenon of misuse of alcohol and drugs in PWID may also be a consequence of 'psychological trauma' and 'distance from the community'. Multiple deaths of close family members, death of partners, long-term physical, emotional and financial abuse, sexual abuse or rape were also identified in the case studies.…”

Information about psychoactive substances and visually impaired people: a comparative study between Brazil and Portugal

“…The changes that occur when the individual with disabilities uses psychoactive substances were described in study as physiological effects, the effects upon the person's mind and the financial implications, damage in the relationships with their families, partners and peers, often resulting in verbal and physical confrontations when drinking [19].…”

Psychoactive Substance Use and Disabled People: An Integrative Review

“…A study with people with visual impairments identified that the reasons to drink are related to leisure and entertainment, especially among young adult men [24]. The use of psychoactive substances may also be related to psychological trauma as deaths of family members; lack of company and friends; loneliness; isolation; exploitation of partners; sadness; confusion [16]. It is noteworthy also the use of substances to control the symptoms of mental illness and minimize the side effects of medications [18].…”

“…As a result of substance use, one of the reviewed studies reported psychological effects, effects on the mind, financial implications, verbal and physical confrontation, amnesia, suicidal ideation, loss of independence, discussions with family, violent behavior [16].…”

“…They receive support services for disabled people, but they also need family support and specialized services in the treatment of this problem [16]. This situation has been discussed in several review articles.…”