Comparatively, substance use disorders are not equitably recognized as disability when qualifying for SSDI benefits. Population data reports significant impairment in daily functioning concurrent with criteria for other qualifying behavioral health conditions. SUDs are disqualified based on active substance use, despite relapse being recognized as a symptom of the diagnosis.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
Upon completion, the participant will understand the various definitions of disability and will be able to describe how the criteria apply to behavioral health conditions, particularly substance use disorders.
Upon completion, the participant will understand the barriers that individuals with substance use disorders face in qualifying for federal Social Security Disability Income benefits in comparison to other qualifying behavioral health conditions to include mental health disorders and alcohol use disorder diagnoses.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the equity gap in access to federal SSDI benefits by substance users, the history behind current policies, and engage in critical discussions regarding stigma, trauma-informed care, social justice, and advocacy for individuals with substance use disorder diagnoses and disabilities.
.jpg "Alyssa D. Adwell, MSW, LICSW, SUDP (she/her/hers) photo")