Prevalence and risk factors of illicit drug use by people with disabilities

The authors examined patterns and risk factors of illicit drug use among people with disabilities by use of a random sample of 1,876 persons actively involved in vocational rehabilitation services in three Midwestern states. Compared with regional drug use data from the general population, respondents with disabilities reported higher rates of illicit drug use for nearly every drug category. Factors significantly associated with illicit drug use included level of disability acceptance, best friends' drug use, attitude of disability entitlement, self-esteem, and risk-taking. These findings provide additional insight into illicit drug use among people with disabilities. The authors discuss implications from these findings for rehabilitation and disability policy.