PREVALENCE AND RISK-FACTORS OF ILLICIT DRUG-USE BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The authors examined patterns and risk factors of illicit drug use amo ng people with disabilities by use of a random sample of 1,876 persons actively involved in vocational rehabilitation services in three Midw estern states. Compared with regional drug use data from the general p opulation, respondents with disabilities reported higher rates of illi cit drug use for nearly every drug category. Factors significantly ass ociated with illicit drug use included level of disability acceptance, best friends, drug use, attitude of disability entitlement, self-este em, and risk-taking. These findings provide additional insight into il licit drug use among people with disabilities. The authors discuss imp lications from these findings for rehabilitation and disability policy .