Substance use disorders in people with intellectual disability

Abstract

Purpose of review To provide an overview of studies on substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) in individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID–BIF). Recent findings Many individuals with MID–BIF use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. On average, rates of substance use and SUD are similar to or even higher than those in peers with average intelligence. Individuals with MID–BIF are overrepresented in (forensic) addiction care. Several instruments are now available for the assessment of SUD and its risk factors in this target group. Prevention and intervention programs have been shown feasible and with promising outcomes, although the evidence base is still small. Professionals in addiction care and intellectual disability care facilities show deficiencies in skills in addressing SUD in clients with MID–BIF. Summary Research in this area is still in its infancy, though an increasing number of studies show promising outcomes regarding case identification, assessment, and treatment of SUD in intellectual disability. Policy and practice should be adapted to the characteristics of individuals with MID–BIF.

Evaluating a personalized treatment for substance use disorder in people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning: A study protocol of a multiple baseline across individuals design

“…Besides, individuals with MID-BIF are at increased risk for developing SUD, due to various risk factors (e.g. impairment in cognitive and adaptive skills, lack of adequate coping skills, peer pressure) [ 4 , 5 ]. SUD has severe adverse health and social consequences for people with MID-BIF [ 6 ].…”

“…in the areas of language, memory, organizing tasks, generalization of learned skills) [ 8 ], and interventions need to be adjusted to these needs. Over the past years, a range of interventions have been developed for this vulnerable group [ 4 , 5 , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] ]. Some of these interventions are educational or preventive or aiming to increase motivation or prevent individuals from start using substances [ 9 , 11 , 12 ].…”

The effectiveness of an indicated prevention programme for substance use in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning: results of a quasi‐experimental study

“…Adolescents and young adults with mild intellectual disability [MID; intelligence quotient (IQ) range = 50–69] or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF; IQ range = 70–85) [1] are vulnerable to problems in different domains, such as mental, physical and socio‐economic functioning [2,3]. They are also at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD) compared to their non‐disabled peers [3,4].…”

“…As with individuals without MID‐BIF, substance use (SU) is common among individuals with MID‐BIF and develops at a similar age [5–7]. However, common consequences of SU, such as difficulties in day‐to‐day functioning at school, work or home, have more impact on individuals with MID‐BIF than on non‐disabled individuals [2,3], as SU is often inter‐related with MID‐BIF and behavioural problems [2,6]. Various risk factors, including impairment in cognitive and social skills, inhibition problems, deficits in coping skills and susceptibility to peer pressure account for the increased risk for SUD in individuals with MID‐BIF [2,3].…”

“…However, common consequences of SU, such as difficulties in day‐to‐day functioning at school, work or home, have more impact on individuals with MID‐BIF than on non‐disabled individuals [2,3], as SU is often inter‐related with MID‐BIF and behavioural problems [2,6]. Various risk factors, including impairment in cognitive and social skills, inhibition problems, deficits in coping skills and susceptibility to peer pressure account for the increased risk for SUD in individuals with MID‐BIF [2,3]. Clearly, there is a great need for effective prevention programmes for people with MID‐BIF before SUD emerges [2,3,8].…”