Intellectual disability and substance use/misuse: a narrative review
| Published date | 14 March 2016 |
| Pages | 25-34 |
| Date | 14 March 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-10-2015-0041 |
| Author | Christine Day,Alexandra Lampraki,Dean Ridings,Karen Currell |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities,Offending behaviour |
Intellectual disability and substance
use/misuse: a narrative review
Christine Day, Alexandra Lampraki, Dean Ridings and Karen Currell
Christine Day is based at
Department of Psychological
Therapies, The University of
Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Alexandra Lampraki and
Dean Ridings, both are based
at Department of Research and
Development, Calderstones
NHS Trust, Clitheroe, UK.
Karen Currell is based at
Department of Psychology,
Calderstones NHS Trust,
Clitheroe, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the literature on substance use/
misuse within an intellectual disability (ID) population. The paper is focused on the prevalence, motivation and
implications of substance use as well as the interventions for misuse.
Design/methodology/approach –Research focused on substance use and ID (IQ of 70 or less with onset
in the developmental period) were considered.
Findings –The findings indicate a disparity between research findings regarding the prevalence of
substance use/misuse within ID populations. Previous research indicates that individuals with ID may use/
misuse substances as a form of relief or respite from negative experiences. Although there is a clear need for
intervention, many of the ID population do not engage with generic interventions for substance misuse.
Additionally, professionals responsible for the provision of interventions identify a lack of training and support
to meet the needs of ID populations.
Research limitations/implications –Minimal research in this areas, barriers to language and
demographics being underreported.
Practical implications –Highlights problems with the current evidence base and barriers this poses
indicates a need for further research and intervention.
Social implications –Implications for the equality for individuals with an ID and their access to appropriate
intervention. Focus on prevention of offending behaviour and intervention as appose to management.
Originality/value –In order to build a greater understanding of this issue, a shared universal language and
definition of ID must be implemented. Further research to improve the understanding of why those with ID
misuse substances is imperative before designing and implementing useful interventions.
Keywords Demographics, Intellectual disability, Prevalence, Intervention, Narrative review,
Substance use/misuse
Paper type Literature review
Introduction
Before reviewing what is known about intellectual disabilities (ID) and substance use/misuse it is
important to define what is meant by these terms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association,
2013) defines intellectual disability (ID) as an impairment of general cognitive ability that impacts
on adaptive functioning within conceptual, social and practical domains. These impairments
should be evident during the developmental period (before adulthood) and individuals would be
expected to have an IQ score which is two standard deviations below the mean (⩾70).
Substancemisuse is defined asintoxication; regularexcessive consumptionof and/or dependence
on substances that leads to social, psychological, physical or legal problems. This includes
problematic use of both legal and illegal substances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Received 28 November 2015
Revised 28 November 2015
Accepted 29 November 2015
DOI 10.1108/JIDOB-10-2015-0041 VOL. 7 NO. 1 2016, pp.25-34, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8824
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JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
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