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It is important to consider the social conditions of persons with disabilities who choose to abuse drugs. Hirschi's social control theory may illuminate the sociology of addiction for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to examine the meaning of Hirschi's theoretical thesis for persons with disabilities, with particular attention given to the concepts of attachment, commitment, involvement, and beliefs. Specific implications for rehabilitation counseling practice and research will be provided.
The rehabilitation literature is replete with studies which suggest a high incidence of substance abuse among persons with disabilities. For example, Stude (1990) estimated that the rate of drug abuse among rehabilitation clients may be as high as 40%. Further evidence exist which suggests that persons with disabilities are twice as likely as the general population to abuse substances (News in Mental Health Nursing, 1993). In response to the reports of prevalence, several authors have emphasized the need to develop services to treat persons with disabilities who abuse drugs (Frieden, 1990; Perez & Pilsecker, 1989). Despite the importance of estimating prevalence and establishing treatment modalities, greater understanding of the psychological and sociological factors which motivate persons with disabilities to abuse substances is needed.
Few studies have offered explanations for the conditions which lead to the abuse of substances among persons with disabilities. Alston (1992) explained how Beatrice Wright's (1983) suppositions on psychosocial adjustment to physical disability can be used to illuminate the issues involved in adaptation to drugs for persons with disabilities. Johnson, Gray, and Ososkie (1991) explored sexual dysfunction as a correlate of drug abuse among rehabilitation clients. Moore and Polsgrove (1989) explored how disenfranchisement, inadequate self-control, and sensation-seeking can serve as risk factors of substance abuse for persons with disabilities.
The aforementioned studies were primarily psychological in nature. There is a dearth of information concerning the sociological factors which may influence substance abuse among persons with disabilities. It is important that we consider the social conditions of persons with disabilities who choose to abuse drugs. Hirschi (1969) developed a theoretical approach called "social control" which can be used to illuminate the sociology of addiction for persons with disabilities. Social control theory focuses on the sociological forces that can prevent people from participating in deviant behavior. Deviance can be defined...