NCJ Number
148958
Date Published
1991
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This booklet addresses issues involved in working with children and adolescents who have disabling conditions and use alcohol and other drugs.
Abstract
The introduction notes that although alcohol and drug use is prevalent, little attention has been given to alcohol and drug problems among individuals with disabling conditions. A discussion of alcohol and drug use among children and adolescents with disabilities advises that for most individuals with disabilities, limited evidence suggests that use and abuse of alcohol and drugs is comparable to that of nondisabled individuals. Several groups of adolescents with disabilities apparently are at greater risk than their peers for abuse of alcohol and drugs. Understanding personal competence and contextual issues associated with alcohol and drug use places problems of youths with disabilities in a broader perspective. A chapter examines implications for practitioners in responding to problems of alcohol and other drug use. The chapter recommends that professionals who work with disabled children and adolescents should develop a basic understanding of the issues associated with alcohol and drug use among this group. A chapter on implications for program development in responding to problems of alcohol and other drug use concludes that effective programs are comprehensive; they are integrated into community-based efforts; and they target multiple environmental or contextual influences in addition to individual behavior. The challenge for educators and others concerned about individuals with disabilities is to become informed about the drug culture in their community, know when to discuss incipient problems with parents or guardians, and refer students to treatment when necessary. 88 references and 18 resources