Substance Misuse

Substance use among individuals with intellectual disabilities living independently in Flanders

“…While studies suggest that the prevalence of substance use in individuals with ID is lower as compared to the general population (Chaplin, Gilvarry, & Tsakanikos, 2011;McGillicuddy, 2006;Sturmey et al, 2003), individuals with ID are considered to be at increased risk of developing substance misuse and substance-related problems (McGillicuddy, 2006;McGillivray & Moore, 2001). Several studies state that individuals with ID may be more prone to these problems because of limited knowledge about the effects and possible risks associated with substance use and an increased likelihood of deficits in social skills and increased vulnerability regarding social influences (Miller & Whicher, 2013;Whitaker & Hughes, 2003). Other studies have underscored the influence of being male and an early age of onset of initial substance use for developing substance-related problems in this population (Cocco & Harper, 2002;Taggart, McLaughlin, Quinn, & Milligan, 2006).…”

Substance use disorders in patients with intellectual disability admitted to psychiatric hospitalisation

“…). Moreover, despite the remarkable prevalence of SUD in ID population, the demand for specialised treatment is lower than in patients without ID, also facing greater difficulties in accessing specialised treatment resources (Miller & Whicher ; Carroll Chapman ). It is also important to emphasise that tobacco use disorder is very prevalent in ID population, having previous studies already alerted of the negative impact on this population's physical health (Kerr et al .…”

“…Substance use disorders (SUD) involve negative psychosocial and clinical consequences for patients with ID, the most commonly described are aggressive behaviour, greater presence of psychiatric symptoms, negative changes in cognitive function, presentation of risk behaviours, increased likelihood of victimisation, more difficulties in socialisation and greater social isolation, loss of daily routines, higher probability of multiple substance use, physical health problems and legal problems (Taggart et al . ; Miller & Whicher ; Chaplin et al . ; To et al .…”

“…Among the risk factors that have been identified for the development of SUD in ID population, the most accepted are male gender, young age, mild degree of ID, independent living, having legal problems or serious behaviour disorders, personal situations of poverty and social exclusion and having a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis (Taggart et al . ; Miller & Whicher ; Slayter ; van Duijvenbode et al . ; Lin et al .…”

Extended brief intervention to address alcohol misuse in people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities living in the community (EBI-ID): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Despite the sparse literature regarding substance misuse in people with intellectual disabilities (characterised by an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) less than 70, developmental delay and adaptive deficits), there is increasing interest in studying such problems in this population. This is because most now live in the community and are more likely to be exposed to substances [ 3 , 4 ]. United Kingdom and United States population-based studies indicate that the prevalence of substance misuse in people with intellectual disabilities ranges from 0.5% and 2.5%, respectively, to as high as 25% for any substance in clinic samples [ 4 - 6 ].…”