 |
|
 |
ADA and Substance Abuse/Addiction Issues Substance abuse and dependence are considered psychological disabilities as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders (DSM IV) and therefore are protected under the American Disabilities Act. What does this mean in terms of classroom accommodations, residential space and services available to a student diagnosed with a substance related disorder? Substance-related disorders include substance abuse and dependence. Substance-induced disorders such as withdrawal, delirium, memory loss, depression, anxiety, psychosis, sleep disturbances etc. fall into a seperate diagnostic category. The ADA focuses on substance related disorders and the rights of individuals struggling with one of these diagnosis. Substance related disorders (abuse & dependency) take time to develop, beginning with use (little or no substance use experience, no negative consequences), moving to misuse (some negative consequences occur), abuse (despite negative consequences use continues) ending in dependency/addiction (the compulsion to use regardless of consequences). It is in the last two phases of the addiction process that the diagnosis of substance-related disorder is applied. Since we are whole beings and not seperate entities inhabiting a body, all emotional stressors have a physical component. Medical concerns are pronounced in substance disorders, more so than in most other psychological issues. Both medical and mental health professionals, working as a team, treat the cravings, the effects of detoxification and the wreckage that substance use inflicts on the body. In the classroom, this disability may cause poor academic performance, an increase in absences, being in class under the influence, and angry or unpredictable behaviors in the classroom. If the student produces verified documentation of a substance-related disorder to the Director of Counseling, several options are available to the instructor. A discussion with the student about class expectations is a first step. Once this has occurred, creating a plan with the student for how to deal with the situation is next. The result of this conversation maybe a withdrawal from the class, extended assignments during treatment, a behavioral contract for the classroom, walking the student over to counseling services or calling the Wellness Center for a list of local substance referrals to share with the student. In residence this issue can manifest itself in numerous ways: a pattern of regular use (including binge drinking), violent or emotionally inappropriate interactions with other students, hostility toward authority, an increase in 'accidents' (such as falling down stairs, hitting head in shower etc.), numerous residence hall policy violations and stressed relationships within the community. If the student produces verified documentation of a substance-related disorder to the Director of Counseling, several options are available to residence life staff. In the short term, staff should talk to the individual about behaviors they have witnessed or had reported to them, share general concerns, document incidents involving substance use, create a behavioral contract with the individual and help the person find (and physically get to) appropiate campus support services for referral or treatment. We have a responsibilty to offer services and support to individuals struggling with a substance-related disorder. Dependency and abuse disorders are protected by the ADA, but the use of any illegal substance and illegal or inappropriate behaviors related to that use, are not. Seeing as a student using a drug or coming across evidence of substance use should be reported to the Dean of Students. If you don't feel comfortable confronting the student with this information you are still encouraged to report it. Remember that respecting a person enough to allow him/her to take responsibilty for his/her action will help the individual move towards a successful recovery.
|
| Portal/VSC Web Services | Groupwise | Library | College Store | How to Apply | Career Development | Resources | Contact Us |