Persons who are currently using illegal drugs are excluded from protection, but people with alcoholism are protected even if they are currently using alcohol, except when in violation of a Drug Free Workplace Act or Policy. As with all disabilities, it may impact a person in many different ways - psychologically, socially, spiritually, educationally, or vocationally. The rehabilitation model focuses on capacities, rather than limitations and is consumer-driven. Interventions are targeted at goals developed by the person and with the support of the rehabilitation provider. It is a holistic approach which seeks to help the person reintegrate into society and, ultimately, find productive work.
Substance abuse is viewed as a chronic disability in which recovery is a lifetime process.
Substance abuse frequently co-exists with other disabilities. Alcohol and drug use rates are high among people with spinal cord and head injuries. There is also a high incidence among people with mental illness, blindness, and learning disabilities. Sometimes the substance abuse existed prior to the disability and may have contributed to it through risk taking behavior. Other times it may be used as a coping mechanism or a way to manage symptoms.