The National Library of Medicine has information about people with IDD and substance use disorders.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can have substance use disorders (SUD). The risk of developing use disorders is significant. There is a lack of screening and formal testing for SUD in people with IDD. The risk of developing SUD is relatively high among IDD substance users. It is due to:
- Impulsivity (poor impulse control)
- Increased risk of trauma
- Possible lack of understanding about potential for abuse
- What happens when you use drugs or alcohol (consequences of use)
People with IDD can often abuse alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. They are largely underdiagnosed. They are undertreated for SUDs.
The Recovery Village states that people with IDD who develop substance use problems often face more severe consequences when they abuse drugs and alcohol.
Substance use can lead to:
- Increased social isolation
- Problems with the law (criminal justice system)
- Being taken advantage of (victimization while under the influence)
- Increased thinking (cognitive) problems
- Poor impulse control
- Health problems related to substance abuse, and even death
- Life-threatening side effects from interactions with other meds
Higher functioning people with IDD usually enjoy a greater level of independence. They are more likely to get access to drugs and alcohol. Also, they interact more with their community at large. They are more apt to feel peer pressures and prejudice. Standard screening tests may miss signs of substance use or abuse in people with IDD.
SAMHSA has information about Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities (.pdf).
SAMHSA recommends that addiction counselors working with people with IDD do the following:
- Ask simple questions and repeat them if needed
- Teach how to say NO (refusal skills)
- Avoid generalizing, i.e. explain that the same refusal skills that are used at a party can also be used at a bar
- Have the person repeat back an idea to make sure they understand
- Use role-playing
- Having the person focus on specific goals, i.e. not cashing their SSI check at a liquor store
- Address trauma in counseling, if it’s an issue
Annals of Family Medicine states that people with IDD and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are most commonly seen in outpatient mental health settings. Cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine are the most frequent substances used by people with IDD. Risk factors for SUD among people with IDD include:
- being male
- having a family history of SUD
- having peers who use drugs or alcohol
- having mental health issues
- having mild/borderline IDD
Massachusetts Resources
Massachusetts Substance Addiction Services
Bureau of Substance Addiction Services info include prevention programs, youth intervention, residential treatment, outpatient counseling and more.
Call 800-327-5050
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Whether you are ready for treatment, worried about a loved one, or simply want to know what your options are, let us help you take that first step.
Boston Medical Center Resources for Massachusetts Parents Helpline
Call 1-855-378-4373
Parent Specialists will listen to your story – the challenges, setbacks, obstacles and feelings that often go along with a child’s substance use.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) Substance Use Disorder Services
Shows kinds of programs and services.
Mass General Program in Substance Use & Addiction Services (PSAS)
Substance use treatment services for teens through adulthood.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Substance Use Prevention and Intervention
Resources and information to help support prevention and intervention efforts in schools, at home and elsewhere throughout the Commonwealth.
Youth and Young Adult Substance Use Services Directory (.pdf)
Boston.gov has a directory that lists programs licensed and/or funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Even If You Know About Drinking or Drugs SBIRT Brochure (.pdf)
This booklet discusses the effects drinking and using drugs have on growing and developing brains. English and Spanish booklets are ready to download.
Fact sheet published 5/9/25
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note, this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org, INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.
