RAISE The Standard, September 2025, v.11 n.9 | |
Addiction
The relationship between addiction and disability is complex and often overlooked. Addiction is when someone’s brain and body become so used to a substance or behavior that they feel like they can’t stop, even when it causes problems. Addiction can appear in the form of substance addictions (like medication misuse), and behavioral addictions (like gambling). People with disabilities may face higher risks of addiction because of mental health challenges, social isolation, or chronic pain. At the same time, people with disabilities may struggle to access treatment programs, since many programs are not designed with accessibility in mind. Despite these challenges, many disabled people find strength and support within their communities, working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and create more inclusive recovery resources.
In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we will explore how young people with disabilities and their loved ones can navigate addiction.
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The Connection Between Autism and Alcoholism
Chelsey Flood received her autism diagnosis as a result of getting sober; her recovery taught her more about her predisposition to addiction and substance abuse.
“Looking back on my time in 12 step groups… I see how challenging getting sober was for someone who struggles with sensory overload, social anxiety, executive functioning issues, hierarchical structures… and difficulties maintaining a sense of self.”
- Chelsey Flood
Click here to access Chelsey’s story.
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Preparing to Talk to Your Doctor about Addiction
Working up the courage to seek help is a big task. This guide by Mayo Clinic talks about different treatment options you can explore, and how to prepare for the initial conversation with your primary care doctor. It might be scary, but a good doctor will support your wellness journey without judgement and offer help that is tailored to your specific needs. Preparing the questions you have and knowing what you want to share about your addiction will help your doctor provide the best care possible.
Click here to access the guide.
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In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we focus on REAL Transition Partners, a collaboration between 26 Parent Centers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
https://spanadvocacy.org/programs/real/
Providing services ranging from securing independence plans, navigating education and health systems and more, REAL Transition Partners supports the transition to adulthood for young people with disabilities and their loved ones. Their services are designed with and involve diverse communities and continue to evolve as needs and contexts change.
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The 2025 21st Annual Mental Health
& Substance Use Recovery Conference
Thursday, October 16 – Friday, October 17, 2025
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The 2025 21st Annual Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Conference explores special topics in mental health, substance use disorder, and integrated treatment.
Tickets start at $355 for in-person attendance and $255 for virtual attendance. Registration closes Tuesday October 7, 2025.
Click here to learn more about the topics of this year’s conference and view the agenda..
Register here...
| | Collaboration • Empowerment • Capacity-building | | RAISE The Standard enewsletter identifies and shares resources that the Rehabilitation Services Administration Parent Training and Information Centers (RSA-PTI) can use and share with families. | | The RAISE Technical Assistance Center is working to advance the accessibility of its digital resources, including its websites, enewsletters and various digital documents. | | RAISE, the National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Advocacy and Employment is a user-centered technical assistance center that understands the needs and assets of the RSA-PTIs, coordinates efforts with the Technical Assistance provided by PTI centers and involves RSA-PTIs as key advisors and partners in all product and service development and delivery. | |  | |
The RAISE Center is a project of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network and is funded by the US Department of Education's Rehabilitation Service Administration. The contents of this resource were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education (H235G200007)). However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education and should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
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