Disability in Individuals with Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Needs of Their Caregivers

Substance abuse is a major health problem which strikes its victim at a very young age. It may cause disability and psychosocial rehabilitation is important for the management of this disability. The present study aims to assess level of disability among substance abusers and perception of rehabilitation needs by their caregivers.

A cross sectional pilot survey was carried out at a tertiary care hospital at Punjab. A convenience sample of 20 substance abusers attending psychiatric outpatient department were studied to assess disability by using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) and Rehabilitation Needs Assessment Schedule (RNAS) to identify rehabilitation needs of their caregivers. Appropriate descriptive statistics was applied to make the results.

The study result revealed that out of 20 substance abusers, 11 substance abusers had 100% disability followed by 3 had 71–99% and remaining 6 substance abusers had 40–70% disability. Need for vocational training sought by 70%, need for psycho social modification was sought by 60% of the family members. Need for leisure time activity (45%), and social relationship need fulfillment was also sought in similar manner (25%).

A successful home rehabilitation should be always need based. Types and severity of disability of the patient will also play an important role in designing a structured rehabilitation programme. This study warrant further study based on large sample size to design a successful home based rehabilitation for substance abusers.