Articles Posted in Substance Abuse

Social Security disability benefits may be available for persons who struggle with abuse or addiction. However, the benefits are not paid out based on the abuse or addiction, but based on the medical impairment or disability brought out by the abuse.

For many persons who struggle with substance abuse or addiction, making the decision to get help can be difficult. Many persons do not seek the help they require for many factors. A person may feel ashamed to seek help for a condition he feels he has no control over, and in other cases, may feel ashamed to reveal the condition to his family and friends.

Another major barrier to seeking treatment is the cost involved. Many persons lack insurance which can help them with the costs of rehab.

Drug and alcohol addiction may leave a person with several impairments that make it impossible for him to work or earn a living. However, this fact, by itself does not qualify a person for Social Security disability befits.

There are a number of impairments that can be caused due to drug or alcohol addiction. For example, alcohol addiction can result in possibly debilitating liver disease, while excessive smoking is linked to several forms of cancer, including lung and throat cancer. While determining an individual’s eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration takes into consideration if the addiction is a material factor in the impairment. This means that the agency will review if the person meets the criteria of the disability, even in the absence of the addiction.

Another thing to keep in mind is that addiction by itself does not qualify as an impairment qualifying for benefits. An individual’s drug addiction may lead to blackouts, extreme confusion, disorientation and any number of other disabling symptoms, but these on their own will not qualify the person for benefits.   In making a determination, the agency will also consider if the disabling symptoms would disappear if the person stopped his abuse.