Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health
October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Last month, we learned that people with IDD can have substance use disorder (SUD). We learned the truth about some harmful myths.
UNT Health is leading a project in Texas to share the truth about SUD. We asked their project lead, Dr. Kim Fulda, to share some facts with us. She tells us about substance use risk factors in people with IDD. Knowing the risks can help us prevent SUD.
Substance Use Risk Factors
People with IDD may use substances for many reasons. Dr. Fulda shares some of the main risk factors.
- Loneliness or wanting to fit in: People with IDD may want to make friends. They may want to feel accepted. They might start using substances to try to be part of a group.
- Low self-esteem or trauma: Many people with IDD have had neglect or trauma in their lives. This creates stress and pain. They may use substances to cope with these feelings.
- Lack of education: People with IDD may not get good education about SUD. They may not be taught in ways they understand. They may use substances not knowing how harmful they can become.
- Mis-using or over-using medicine: Some people with IDD take many medications. Without support, they might take them incorrectly. Or they might combine them in unsafe ways.
- Exploitation: Sadly, some people take advantage of people with IDD. They might introduce the person to drugs or alcohol. They might want the person to misuse substances. This is why strong support networks are key.
- Mental health: Many people with IDD have anxiety, depression, or PTSD. They might use substances to deal with these feelings. Treatment should address both SUD and mental health at the same time.
High-Risk Times
People are more likely to use substances at certain times in life. Knowing these times can help people watch for substance use. These times include:
- During big life changes. This might be leaving school, starting work, or losing a caregiver.
- After trauma or abuse. Unfortunately, people with IDD are more at risk for these things.
- When there is less structure or supervision. It’s harder to notice substance use when someone isn’t seen regularly.
- When someone feels alone or is bullied. That person might use substances to deal with their feelings.
How to Help Someone
You can help by knowing the substance use risk factors and paying attention. Watch for signs like mood swings and changes in sleep or eating. Pay attention when people withdraw from friends or activities. Check in more often during high-stress times. Ask how people are doing and listen without judgment. If you see signs of trouble, urge them to talk with a doctor or counselor. Early support can make a big difference.
Help UNTH Make a Difference
UNTH’s project will create training 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 anonymous. That means no one will know what you say. You won’t be identified by name. If you want to participate:
- Email Cindy Lopez if you want to take part or have questions.
- Download the flyer for full project information.