Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health

September is National Recovery Month. Some people think that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) don’t use substances. This is not true. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use.

Some people with IDD have substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is when using drugs or alcohol creates serious problems in your life. UNT Health is leading a project in Texas to share the truth about SUD. They want to make sure people with IDD get better support. We asked their project lead, Dr. Kim Fulda, to share some facts with us.

Myths and Facts About IDD and Substance Use

There are many myths (false ideas) about people with IDD and SUD. Dr. Fulda shares the truth about each myth.

Myth: People with IDD don’t use substances.

Fact: Some do. They may be less likely to try. But if they do, they are more likely to develop SUD.

Myth: SUD is part of a person’s disability.

Fact: Signs of SUD may look like part of someone’s disability. But SUD is a separate health problem. It must be treated on its own for the person to recover.

Myth: People with IDD can’t become addicted.

Fact: They can. Some people use substances to deal with stress, pain, or feelings. Over time, they can become addicted.

Myth: People who have SUD are bad, or it’s just bad behavior.

Fact: SUD is not about being bad. It is a brain condition. It affects how people think and act. People with SUD cannot easily stop on their own. They need the right support to stop.

Myth: Treatment does not work for people with IDD.

Fact: It can work. People with IDD may just need treatment that fits their needs. This isn’t always easy to find. That’s why UNTH is doing this important work.

How to Help Someone

You might know a person with IDD and substance use disorder. There are some things you can do to help them. Talk in clear and kind words. Ask simple questions like “How are you feeling?” Listen and show you care. Let them know their feelings matter.

Dr. Fulda shared that people with SUD can recover. So, encourage help. Offer to go with them to see a doctor or counselor. At the same time, have safe limits. Don’t give money for substances. Instead, spend time together in healthy ways. Finally, care for yourself too. Helping someone can be hard. Ask for support if you need it.

Help UNTH Make a Difference!

UNTH’s project will create training materials and guidelines for health care providers. These will help people with IDD and SUD get better care. People with IDD know best about their lives. So, UNTH wants to interview people with IDD and SUD. Self-advocates will be paid for their time. The interviews will be totally anonymous. That means no one will know what you say. You won’t be identified by name.

If you want to participate: