Drug Misuse, Alcoholism, and Disability

November 8, 2022

Harmony Place Team

Substance misuse is common among all groups of people. However, individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of developing these types of problems. Also, they are less likely to seek treatment. Indeed, individuals with disabilities experience issues at double the rate of the general population. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices on Disability uncovered the relationship between alcoholism and disability. In fact, 74.6 million people in this country suffer from disabilities and substance misuse disorders simultaneously. A disability that goes unsupported brings a person to a low place. To be sure, it may lead to depression. In other words, the rate of co-occurring disorders is amplified as well.

It is important to think about the unique stresses that are brought upon people with mental and physical disabilities. For example, they are seen as outsiders from the regular world. Indeed, some are not able to qualify for certain work, earn certain benefits, or participate in normal activities. When alcohol or drug addictions become part of the equation, it can lead to serious consequences. At Harmony Place, we comprehend how a disability can make successful recovery even more difficult. Our staff works hard to provide effective treatments that fit with a person’s physical and mental needs.

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What Defines a Disability?

A disability is a type of impairment to a person’s mind, body, or emotions. To explain, a person may have physical limitations that make mobility difficult. On the other hand, a person may be suffering from a hidden disability like autism. Also, it may be short-term or long-term. There are countless disabilities that may strike.

Arthritis
Paralysis
Deafness
Blindness
Down’s syndrome
Developmental disorders
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Cystic fibrosis

Disability and Pain Medication Addiction

Many individuals who have disabilities must use prescription medicines to reduce pain and other effects of the conditions. Unfortunately, these types of drugs are very addictive. When a person has an opioid prescription, it may be easy for him or her to become dependent. Even a short-term prescription may start a long-term problem. To be sure, using drugs on a regular basis is extremely dangerous.

When discussing opioids, it is important to recognize potential problems. In many instances, a person with a disability develops an addiction but switches to less expensive medications that are easy to obtain. To be sure, people with disabilities are often under more financial constraints than others. This means that they hit the streets for less costly alternatives like heroin.

Alcoholism and Disability

Today, alcoholism remains a big problem with people who are challenged with disabilities. Surely, these individuals have numerous physical and emotional frustrations that cause poor moods. This leads to self-medication with alcohol. Scientific studies have shown that half of the people with spinal injuries or brain injuries participate in binge drinking.

How Addiction Causes Disabilities

Although much has been discussed on how individuals with disabilities turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of pain relief, addiction may actually cause a number of disabilities. When a person is under the influence, he or she is likely to experience an injury that brings a disability. For example, alcoholism may lead to drinking and driving, which can cause a car accident and severe injuries. Also, substance misuse increases the symptoms of certain mental disorders. Markedly, there are other damaging effects of addiction as well.

Hepatitis often results from long-term alcohol abuse
Nerve damage often results from inhalant misuse
Lung disease is a result of long-term marijuana abuse

Reasons People with Disabilities Begin Abusing Drugs or Alcohol

To be sure, a number of misuse disorders stem from the struggles to cope with the psychological impact of disabilities. It is easy to turn to drugs and alcohol.

A person with a disability may hope to gain social acceptance. In other words, drugs or alcohol become a gateway to connect with friends and to maintain a more normal social life.
A person with a disability may use drugs or alcohol as an escape from reality. Life with a disability may bring sadness and loneliness. Drugs and alcohol dull the pain.

Health Concerns Regarding Substance Misuse and Disabilities

Besides obvious health effects, drug and alcohol misuse can cause other difficulties in the life of a person with a disability.

Difficulty Getting Medical Attention. In fact, many people with disabilities have mobility problems, which makes it difficult to get from place to place. Misusing drugs or alcohol makes it even more challenging to get to a doctor. Also, studies show that a misuse disorder lowers the likelihood that a patient will follow medical advice.
Drug Interactions. Many people with disorders take regular prescription medicines to handle their conditions. To be sure, when drugs or alcohol are involved, terrible interactions may occur. Therefore, there is an increased risk for more physical damage. For instance, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may suffer debilitating liver problems, especially when mixing pain medication with alcohol. Also, alcohol is known to lower a person’s bone density. An overdose is possible as well.
Heightened Employment Problems. Many people with disabilities have trouble getting to a job. Physical limitations may make it nearly impossible to travel to work each day. When substance misuse is present, it may repel friends and family who help with transportation and other support issues. It may make it difficult to complete tasks at work as well.

Roadblocks to Recovery

In general, one of the most troubling things that face a person with a disability and a substance misuse disorder is the ability to access treatment. Unfortunately, many rehab facilities are not equipped to deal with these issues. There are other barriers as well. In fact, many doctors do not understand how to deal with a substance misuse disorder and a disability.

To clarify, participating in rehab may be extremely difficult for a person with a disability, especially when he or she is blind or deaf. A mere 27 percent of treatment facilities that deal with opioid addiction have available interpretation services. In other words, many rehab centers are inaccessible to deaf patients.

Enabling a Person with a Disability and a Substance Misuse Disorder

Many times, it is not easy for a friend or a family member to confront an individual with a disability. He or she may feel pity or may fear broaching the subject. Also, some individuals feel that people with disabilities do not have the strength to overcome a substance misuse disorder. This enabling may take the form of covering up the problem or supplying drugs out of guilt. To be sure, this worsens the situation.

Treatment for Alcoholism and Disability

Actually obtaining behavioral treatment when a person has a disability can be very challenging. To repeat, cost, transportation, and accessibility can be nightmares. Uncovering a treatment facility for an individual with a physical disability that meets all requirements can be tricky.

To be sure, the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs explains that people with mental disabilities require different types of accommodations. These individuals may not have the ability to easily process information. Therefore, it becomes likely that these people become discouraged or try to give up on treatment. In other words, it is essential to find a program that is guided toward helping a person get the most out of therapy within cognitive limits.

At Harmony Place, our Woodland Hills facility is ready to help. It is possible to receive treatment in a place that caters to individual needs and requirements so that long-term sobriety is possible. In fact, our staff tries to make all adjustments easy and to understand each patient’s disability so that the treatment process can be most effective.

Patient Treatment Options

Our facility offers both inpatient programs and outpatient services. An individual with a dual diagnosis can find help as well. When possible, we assist individuals with disabilities and help them to receive better access to medical care that goes beyond addiction treatment. To explain, our sober living program may help them better manage disabilities within a permanent sober lifestyle.

For individuals facing both a disability and substance use disorder, finding the right treatment center is paramount. Alcohol addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA, that offers integrated programs can significantly enhance the recovery experience. These programs combine traditional therapy with vocational rehabilitation, which brings motivation and deeper meaning to the healing process. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the psychological aspects of addiction but also supports practical life skills, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving long-term sobriety. Facilities that provide Cigna rehab for alcohol addiction exemplify these integrated methodologies to ensure effective care for those addicted to alcohol.

Accessibility in treatment facilities is essential for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that a center is equipped with mobility aids, audio materials, and braille can make a substantial impact on the treatment process. At places like Harmony Place, which takes health insurance from providers including BCBS, Aetna plans, Optum, and Anthem rehab insurance, accessibility is a priority. This focus ensures that all clients, regardless of physical abilities, can communicate effectively and engage fully with their treatment plans. By reducing barriers, these centers demonstrate a commitment to providing inclusive and equitable care, crucial for a supportive recovery environment.

Despite the challenges associated with the intersection of alcoholism and disability, recovery is possible and achievable. An alcohol addiction assessment can be the first step toward a tailored treatment plan that addresses individual needs comprehensively. Understanding the average cost of alcohol addiction treatment and exploring options for paying for alcohol recovery treatment can ease financial concerns, allowing clients to focus on their journey to health. Harmony Place is committed to guiding individuals through this transformative process, offering hope and tools for a brighter, more fulfilling future. For more information and to begin the path to recovery, we invite you to contact us today.

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Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at

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