Disabled Latinos may have a lower risk of substance abuse because of their disability because they rely heavily on family and personal ties to avoid these destructive practices. This finding comes from a recent study that was conducted by the University of Michigan. The data was derived from five Latino community organizations in Los Angeles, which specifically served persons with disabilities who were also being treated for alcohol and drug abuse.
Overall, persons who suffer from disabilities experience a higher risk of substance abuse. In fact, earlier research has found that approximately a quarter of people who suffer from disabilities struggle with secondary issues involving substance abuse. The risks of substance abuse for the disabled may arise due to dependence on prescription medications for their condition, failure to identify that there is a possible risk of substance abuse, and lack of access to prevention and treatment services. In any case, a person with a disability who also struggles with addiction may find that overcoming the addiction is a monumental task compared to a person who does not struggle with any disability.
Yet researchers at the University of Michigan found that overall, Latinos with disabilities who were discriminated against and had a painful experiences of their disability were able to overcome the negative perceptions of life with a disability. This substantially reduced their risks of drug and alcohol addiction. The researchers believe that the community can be helped further if there are specific family-based intervention programs, that specifically focus on helping Latin Americans with disabilities avoid drug and alcohol abuse.
M. Stanley Whitehead is a Houston Social Security disability benefits lawyer, committed to representing persons who have had their disability claims rejected, and helping them recover the benefits that are rightfully theirs. If you have had your Social Security claim denied, contact me.
