Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is a lifelong condition, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Coordinating care for people with cerebral palsy is essential when it comes to treating substance use disorder (SUD). It is important to understand the needs of people with disabilities and the legal, ethical, and practical considerations for adapting treatment programs to their needs.
When it comes to substance abuse and addiction treatment for people with cerebral palsy, there are several special considerations. Medications can be used to treat mental health conditions that may be associated with SUD. It is also important to review the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to identify any additional prescriptions for controlled substances. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets requirements to protect people with disabilities from discrimination.
Education in the science of addiction and communication skills are also important for reducing stigma. Finally, it is important to use appropriate language when referring to people with disabilities. People with cerebral palsy may experience a range of physical and cognitive disabilities. Coordinating care for related and unrelated comorbidities is an integral part of treating an SUD.
Medications are available to treat possible mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that may be consistent with the person's SUD. The Drug for Addiction Handbook provides education and resources for the treatment of SUD. It is also important to understand the terminology used in disability services when analyzing physical and cognitive disabilities. The World Down Syndrome Foundation considers all terms related to disability acceptable, while the National Down Syndrome Society suggests using “cognitive disability” or “intellectual disability”.To view research articles and summaries on cerebral palsy, search PubMed, which contains citations from medical journals and other sites.
