Dangerous Drugs
An overlooked, neglected, yet significant problem is the use and misuse of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs by individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Since more and more people with ID are living and working in the community, there is an increased risk that they will come into contact with both legal and illegal dangerous drugs. Many individuals with ID do not understand the dangers of nicotine use, alcohol, and illegal substances. They frequently lack important prevention skills ( e.g., dangerous situation awareness, problem solving) and have limited supportive social networks. Some of the characteristics found in people with ID -- short attention span, difficulties with abstract concepts, overly compliant personalities, learning and memory deficits -- increase the likelihood of substance abuse and its negative consequences.
Next Topic Area is Abuse Risk Reduction
