When Wisconsin adults drink, they drink more often and have more alcohol than adults in other states, according to research from the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive. In fact, Wisconsin ranks third in the country for the percentage of adults who currently drink alcohol:
- Washington D.C. (68.7%)
- New Hampshire (64.6%)
- Wisconsin (64.4%)
Substance use in Wisconsin doesn’t stop with alcohol and frequently leads to substance abuse. Wisconsin’s rate of substance use disorder exceeds the national rate for both adults ages 18 and older and youths ages 12-17, as reported in the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
A substance use disorder occurs when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- SAMSHA
The wide availability and consumption of alcohol and other substances can be challenging for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. In addition to the already complex barriers to employment when living with a disability, substance abuse is known to compromise work performance, resulting in high rates of absenteeism, accidents, time off for illness, and worker's compensation claims.
People with Disabilities Are at Higher Risk for Substance Use Disorder
People with disabilities are at a much higher risk for substance use disorders compared to their peers without disabilities. Researchers have found:
- About half of individuals who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also experience a co-occurring mental health disorder, and vice versa.
- Rates of substance use disorders in people with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury in the United States approach or exceed 50%, as compared to 10% for the general population.
- Approximately 4.7 million individuals have a co-occurring disability and substance abuse problem.
Early Identification May Increase Positive Outcomes
Early identification of substance-related disorders among people with disabilities may lessen complications and increase positive outcomes.
Warning signs of substance use disorder include:
- Changes in personality and behaviors: Being secretive or drastic changes in behavior and relationships.
- Physical health issues: Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes.
- Neglected appearance: Lack of interest in grooming or looks.
- Problems at school or work: Frequently missing, sudden disinterest, drops in performance.
- Financial issues: Sudden requests for money without reasonable explanation, money being stolen, and/or items disappearing from home.
Wisconsin Offers Resources for Recovery
Substance use and abuse can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, given the complexity of barriers often experienced when living with a disability. Fortunately, Wisconsin offers many resources to support the appropriate use of substances and recovery from substance use disorder. These include:
Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is a free service that is available 24/7.
- Call: 211 or 833-944-4673
- Text: Your ZIP code to 898211
- Online Search: addictionhelpwi.org
- Online Chat: Enter the chat room
Real Talks Wisconsin: Get Help
Visit Real Talks Wisconsin to learn about options for care, recovery through work, first steps to get help, and more.
Consumer Guide: Paying for Health Care in Wisconsin
All people who live in Wisconsin have access to health insurance. It may come from different sources based on what you can afford.Read Consumer Guide: Paying for Health Care in Wisconsin to learn your options.
Sources: Information in this article was taken from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and TACQE’s webinars Substance Use Disorder 101: A Conversation on the Basics and Substance Related Disorders 101.
