It’s generally accepted among the medical community that drug and alcohol addiction are diseases – not a personal failing. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has not considered drug or alcohol use disorders to be qualifying conditions for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits since 1996.
However, having an addiction will not necessarily stop you from qualifying for SSDI benefits – although it will cause SSA to take a harder look at your application.
Would you be disabled if you were not addicted?
The big question that has to be answered when an SSDI applicant suffers from drug or alcohol addiction is, in essence, “If you ceased drinking or using drugs, would you qualify for disability for some other reason?” In many cases, the answer is affirmative.
Addiction is a factor in many people who suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In some cases, those who suffer from such disorders may, in effect, use drugs or alcohol to “self-medicate” as they search for relief from their symptoms. If an applicant’s condition would persist even without the substance abuse, then they may qualify for SSDI.
In addition, addiction to drugs or alcohol can also cause secondary disabilities that can also qualify for SSDI benefits. For example, if someone with chronic alcoholism develops severe liver disease or someone with long-term drug use develops an organic brain disorder, then they may qualify for benefits based on those disabling conditions.
Because it can be difficult to demonstrate that a disabling condition would persist in the absence of an addiction, it can be more challenging for people with substance abuse disorders to obtain the benefits they need – but it is not impossible. Experienced legal guidance can help you navigate the SSDI process.