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Disability-Related Differences in Substance Use Among U.S. Young Adults
Jessica Williams1, Xiao Li1, Carla J Berg2
1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
Substance Use & Addiction Journal
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Young adults with disabilities show higher rates of substance use, including cannabis, tobacco, stimulants, and opioids. Tailored prevention and treatment are crucial for this underserved population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on substance use among individuals with disabilities.
- This study addresses the gap by examining substance use differences in U.S. young adults with and without disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate disparities in substance use patterns between young adults with and without disabilities.
- To explore how disability status, subtype, and number of limitations influence substance use.
Main Methods:
- Utilized internet-based survey data from 3458 U.S. young adults (18-34).
- Employed multivariable regression analyses to assess disability status and substance use (cannabis, tobacco, binge drinking, non-medical stimulants/opioids).
- Examined effects of disability subtype (hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility) and number of limitations.
Main Results:
- One-third of participants reported at least one disability.
- Individuals with disabilities had higher odds of frequent cannabis use, more days of tobacco use, and significantly higher rates of non-medical stimulant and opioid use.
- Mobility limitations correlated with increased binge drinking; more disability subtypes were linked to higher likelihood of using all studied substances (except binge drinking).
Conclusions:
- Substance use patterns vary significantly based on disability status, subtype, and number of limitations in young adults.
- Highlights the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies for substance use within the disability community.
- Emphasizes the underserved nature of this population regarding substance use interventions.
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