Drug abuse is a prevalent social issue in Australia due to its complex nature. Drug abuse is a multifaceted problem that is influenced by a variety of factors, including social, economic, and environmental factors. In Australia, drug abuse is particularly prevalent among certain populations, such as Indigenous Australians, young people, and people with disabilities. Individuals with disability are 25% more likely to engage in risky drug use (AIHW, 2022). This is especially concerning given that people with disabilities are more likely to suffer from poorer physical and mental health. They are more at risk of experiencing the negative health impacts of drug and alcohol misuse (AIHW, 2022). Therefore, I have chosen the social issue of drug abuse in disabled in Australian society. Drug abuse is often linked to other social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues. As a result, drug abuse is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive social policy approach in order to effectively address it. This includes a focus on prevention, early intervention, and treatment, as well as a focus on addressing the underlying social issues that contribute to drug abuse.

The Two Explanations

People with disabilities may use drugs as a way to self-medicate and cope with their physical limitations or mental health issues (AIHW, 2020). The use of alcohol and other drugs can be particularly problematic for people with disabilities, as they may be more vulnerable to the effects of these substances due to their physical or cognitive impairments. This puts them biologically at a higher degree of risk to physical health issues, and neurological impairments that may lead to an increased risk of drug abuse. Self-medication due to lack of access to healthcare in Australia can make disabled people vulnerable to drug abuse because they may be unable to access the necessary medical care they need to treat their condition. Without the proper medical care, they may turn to drugs as a way to cope with their disability or to manage their symptoms. People with disabilities may be more likely to be taken advantage of by drug dealers or be coerced into using drugs. This can lead to a cycle of drug abuse, as the drugs may provide temporary relief but can also lead to long-term physical and psychological harm. Additionally, disabled people may be more likely to be prescribed medications that are not appropriate for their condition, leading to further health complications. This lack of support can lead to feelings of powerlessness and frustration, which can lead to drug abuse as a way to cope with the difficult circumstances (Freij & Germov, 2023). People with disabilities were more likely to experience higher levels of poverty and social exclusion than those without disabilities (Reif et al., 2023). This was due to the lack of access to resources, services, and opportunities that are available to other members of society. Puszka et al. (2022) also found that people with disabilities were more likely to experience higher levels of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which can lead to drug abuse as a way to cope with difficult emotions. Therefore, policy makers need to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the same resources, services, and opportunities as other members of society in order to reduce the risk of drug abuse. Disabled people become further even more disadvantaged since they may not be able to afford the necessary medical care they need to treat their condition, leading them to turn to drugs as a way to cope with their disability or to manage their symptoms (ACOSS, 2018). Homelessness can also make it difficult to access medical care, as homeless people may not have access to transportation or may not be able to afford the cost of medical care. Such people with disability without adequate community and social support are more likely to be exposed to drugs, making them more vulnerable to drug abuse (ACOSS, 2018). This can lead to a cycle of addiction and further marginalization.

Level of Government Constitutionally Responsible

Current Policy Response for Disabled in Australia with Drug Abuse

Health professionals and community support workers can play a crucial role and should be encouraged to provide culturally-sensitive and appropriate care for individuals with disabilities, and to have open conversations about the risks and associated harms of drug and alcohol misuse. It is also important to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to safe and supportive environments where they can find peers and community members who understand and support their journey towards recovery. Education programs that focus on the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse should also be tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, and efforts should be made to raise awareness of the risks associated with substance use.

References

ACOSS. (2018). Poverty in Australia 2018. Australian Council of Social Service. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ACOSS_Poverty-in-Australia-Report_Web-Final.pdf

AIHW. (2022). People with disability in Australia, health risk factors and behaviours. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/health/health-risk-factors-and-behaviours#Alcohol

Department of Health. (2017). National Drug Strategy 2017–2026 . Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Health. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026.pdf

Puszka, S., Walsh, C., Markham, F., Barney, J., Yap, M., & Dreise, T. (2022). Towards the decolonisation of disability: A systematic review of disability conceptualisations, practices and experiences of First Nations people of Australia. Social Science & Medicine, 305, 115047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115047

Reif, S., Lee, M. T., & Ledingham, E. (2023). The intersection of disability with substance use and addiction. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Global Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190632366.013.491