Rehab for Disabled People

Addiction is a problem anyone can deal with. Drug and alcohol treatment centres don’t just exist for one type of person. They are there for anyone struggling with the mental and physical effects of drug or alcohol addiction.

While rehab is a place open to everyone, accessibility is still an important factor to consider when deciding upon where you will begin your treatment program. This is an important decision for anyone, but especially if you are disabled.

Addiction and disability are more common than the general population believes; substance abuse can come from anyone. Suppose you or a family member is disabled and needs addiction treatment. In that case, it is important for you to consider any special requirements and to make sure that the drug and alcohol rehab centre can cater for them.

What is a Disability

Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. This can include physical limitations in people with spinal cord injuries or those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries also experiencing mental difficulties.

Those with a long-term disability have the right to reasonable adjustment when seeking medical treatment, as rehab centres are supposed to be accessible for the general population, including ensuring that they are also accessible to physically and mentally disabled people.

The Relationship Between Addiction and Disability

Unfortunately, those living with a disability are more likely to develop a drug or alcohol addiction than the general population. They also are less likely to receive the treatment they need to deal with their substance abuse.

This link is commonly believed due to the isolating nature of disabilities leading to much developing anxiety, depression, or unaddressed trauma due to an accident or past inhuman treatment thanks to a flawed medical system. With these problems being left untreated by mental health professionals, many turns to substance abuse to cope, with many self-medicating using the prescription medication they may have already been prescribed.

Common Addictions for Disabled People

Disabled people often have access to prescription medication that is much stronger than what is available to the general population. The most common substance to be abused within the community is prescription painkillers. Prescription Opioids are very effective for short term pain relief but are also very addictive.

When a person is prescribed a medication they are promised will help them, it is easy for them to miss the early danger signs of developing an addiction. They can become reliant on powerful painkillers without even realising what is happening to them until it is too late. Prescriptions feel safe, and this sense of protection allows for unchecked addictions to develop.

When the prescription runs out, it is not uncommon for them to seek a cheaper drug that would provide a similar effect and turn to heroin.

Heavy drinking is unfortunately very common, with a study finding that up to 50% of those who experience some physical disability, such as people with a spinal cord injury, are heavy drinkers. Alcohol is one of the most easily accessed substances that can be abused. Thanks to the UK’s drinking culture, the signs of addiction can also be very easily missed, especially if it is done in a social setting.

Disability and Addiction Statistics

It is estimated that 3.2 million people live with addiction in the UK. There are also 11 million disabled people in the country. Of the 3.2 million, it is calculated that a ⅕ of them are living with some kind of disability, including but not limited to:

• Autism
• Arthritis
• Amputation
• Blindness
• Cerebral palsy
• Cystic fibrosis
• Down Syndrome
• Deafness
• Dwarfism
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Paralysis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spina bifida

Many who live with a disability and an addiction won’t come forward, leaving the statistic skewed. This is due to the isolating nature of both addiction and disability. Many don’t wish to add to others’ perception of them is another.

Access for Disabled People In Rehab

Many disabled people worry about accessing treatment programs available in a drug and alcohol rehab centre. They may be worried that there won’t be adequate facilities to accommodate any reasonable accommodations they may need.

For example, someone with a physical or mental disability that affects their mobility may be concerned about moving sound the facility.

Or, if they plan to take advantage of the residential treatment options, they may worry that there won’t be accessible sleeping arrangements or staff who can care for them alongside their recovery.

Mute and deaf people may worry that they will not be able to benefit from therapy as part of their treatment plan due to a lack of communication options.

All these concerns are valid and important to consider when finding a rehab centre for yourself or a family member.

As rehab centres are medical facilities, accessibility is very important to them. Treatment plans are customised for each person to provide personalized treatment that caters for individual needs. A part of this treatment plan will be to see how the rehab centre can make the rehab services accessible for the individual.

This could be done through accessible room assignments, alternative communication devices, or even as simple as assigning a staff member to provide the extra support needed.

How Cassiobury Court Can Make Rehab Accessible For Disabled People

At Cassiobury Court, our number one priority is providing top quality rehab services and treatment plans for anyone who needs it.

All treatment plans are designed with the individual’s needs in mind. We will do everything we can to provide you with a safe and accessible environment to achieve long term recovery.

If you need assistance with personal healthcare or have mobility issues, our trained team are here to assist you in any daily challenges you face through your disability.

We will enable you to take control of your addiction so that you can begin to live a happier and sober life.