Substance Abuse and Physical Disability

Alcohol and drug abuse is a contributing factor in traumatic and disabling injuries as often as 62 percent of the time. Until now, there has been virtually no literature available in physical disability and substance abuse. "Substance Abuse and Physical Disability" brings together these topics to provide readers with the vital information necessary to understand the significant challenges, risks, and threats that substance abuse and chemical dependency pose for the physically disabled. This book provides the materials needed by professionals to understand the context of substance abuse in the lives of persons with disabilities, identify chemical dependency problems, and implement effective treatment strategies. Covering an important but often overlooked area, this book enables rehabilitation professionals to treat their substance abusing clients more effectively. This book is divided into three sections, discussing the context, issues, and problems of substance abuse; causes, types and prevalence of subtance abuse; and assessment, treatment, and prevention issues. This thorough coverage includes chapters addressing medical complications and prescription medication issued in rehabilitation; pain management; consequences of alcohol and drug problems following physical disability; and a review of assessment and treatment issues to help rehabilitation workers select chemical dependency treatment programmes. Chapters also describe the establishment of a chemical dependence programme at a facility for the physically disabled, and strategies to engage families in chemical dependency treatment. Full of helpful, practical information, "Substance abuse and physical disability" should be a valuable guide for all rehabilitation professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, vocational rehabilitation counsellors, and allied health therapists. Substance abuse counsellors and chemical dependency professionals will find much useful information on helping persons who have mobility, sensory, and communication limitations.