Disabilities, developmental handicaps, and substance misuse: a review.

Although increased attention has been directed toward the special risks for substance misuse of persons with disabilities, there continues to be a paucity of epidemiologic data detailing prevalence and potential etiologies for use. This review describes the research problems contributing to the limited findings in the field. The risk factors of special relevance to persons with disabilities are discussed, and the data related to specific disabilities are presented. A hierarchy of research needs is suggested, along with several working hypotheses concerning substance use/misuse and persons with disabilities. Finally, current issues impacting intervention and treatment services in this field are discussed.