Alcohol Abuse in Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Although individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) consume alcohol at lower rates than do individuals without these disabilities, those who do consume alcohol are highly vulnerable to abusing it. As a result, individuals with ID/DD are a growing health disparities population and, compared to individuals without these disabilities, are at increased risk of physical disease; psychological injury; social, behavioral, financial, vocational, and legal consequences; further disability; and even death. This entry reviews the prominent theory of alcohol abuse, heightened risk factors, impact, treatment concerns, and future directions for this population.

Alcohol Abuse as a Disorder

Alcohol is the one of the most frequently used intoxicating substances across the world due to its extensive availability, generally legal accessibility, and widespread cultural and social acceptance. Therefore, it is ...

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