This paper reports on an analysis of a 1998 statewide dataset of approximately 133,000 individual substance use disorder treatment episodes. Of these individuals, approximately one quarter were recorded as having physical disabilities and/or mental illness. Demographic characteristics between persons with and without coexisting disabilities differed in some categories, including a larger percentage of persons with disabilities being female and/or "white". Persons with disabilities were half as likely to be employed at treatment intake, although educational backgrounds were roughly equivalent between those with and without disabilities. Persons with disabilities had fewer treatment visits on average during the current treatment episode than did persons without disabilities, and they were slightly less likely to have a "successful" treatment outcome (e.g., discharged because at least some treatment goals were met). Persons with disabilities were also less likely to have attained treatment goals in vocational/educational, social functioning, emotional functioning, and family situations. Possible explanations for discrepancies in demographics and treatment outcomes between persons with and without disabilities are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. At the conclusion of the session attendees will be familiar with differences in demographics and treatment outcomes between a statewide treatment sample of persons with and without physical and/or affective disabilities. 2. Attendees will be able to reiterate three potential reasons why persons with disabilities experience generally less successful treatment outcomes than persons without disabilities 3. Attendees will recognize the potential importance for collecting disability-related data among persons who utilize substance use disorder treatment
Keywords: Disability, Substance Abuse Treatment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.