A National Assessment of the Rates and Correlates of Alcohol and Other Drug Use by College Students with Disabilities.
This project has completed its research activities and is now closed. Check REHABDATA for documents.
Virginia Commonwealth University. School of Allied Health Professions, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling. 1112 East Clay Street. Richmond, VA 23298.
Principal Investigator: Steven L. West, PhD, CRC. Public Contact Phone: 804/827-0921. Fax: 804/828-1321. Project Number: H133G080123. About grant numbers. Start Date: October 1, 2008. Length: 36 months. NIDILRR Officer: David W. Keer. NIDILRR Funding: FY 08 $199,999; FY 09 $200,000; FY 10 $199,999; FY 11 $0 (No-cost extension through 09/30/2012). Abstract: This project studies the rates of substance use and abuse, the correlates of such use, and the impact of such use on college students with disabilities. These students face a number of challenges that may inhibit their performance and limit their acquisition of college degrees. The failure to perform to standard or to complete a college degree can have severe and long-lasting consequences in terms of lifelong employment, community integration, and the overall health and well-being of persons with disabilities. Although there are many barriers to the successful acquisition of a college degree, much of the current research in the field of higher education centers on the negative effects of substance use and abuse. Use of alcohol and other drugs by college students, regardless of disability, is associated with a number of negative outcomes. Notable among these are school failure and drop-out, a wide variety of health concerns, and a number of legal issues. To date, little is known about the rates of substance use and abuse by college students with disabilities. Research with general samples of people with disabilities note that such individuals abuse alcohol and other drugs at rates 10 to 20 times that of the general population; preliminary studies with students with disabilities suggest that they are also heavy users of alcohol and other drugs. By detailing the state of affairs nationally, this study allows for a broad understanding of the rates of substance use by college students with disabilities; details the impact of such use on academic performance, health and well-being; allows for the determination of factors related to both substance use and abstinence; aids in the development of prevention efforts; and provides aggressive dissemination of information on such issues to a wide audience of consumers and service providers. Descriptors: Statistics, Students with disabilities, Substance abuse.
