Alcoholism, the Government and Disability

I just learned this, but up until the early 1990’s, the US government (i.e the Social Security Administration) allowed people to collect disability benefits for alcohol and drug addiction. Not allowed anymore, but interesting, particularly in light of some of the discussions I’ve been having revolving around whether drug and alcohol addiction is a disease.

I have heard addiction described as an affliction, disease, a bad habit, an allergy (my fave – every time I imbibe, I break out in handcuffs), a genetic disorder and more. And I suppose there are shades of truth in each of them. What it boils down to though means I have to ask myself if I choose language that minimizes and denies the extent of my problem and the consequences surrounding it. After all, alcohol (or insert your drug of choice) doesn’t actually jump out of a bottle and go down my throat. I have to open my mouth, lift my arm and give myself permission to abuse myself and others.

By the way, if you are interested in the SSA’s official statement on alcoholism and drug abuse, here it is:
http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR82-60-di-01.html

Basically, alcoholism and drug addiction cannot be your disability. You might have a qualifying disability and also happen to be an addict, but the addiction won’t get you your money back. That’s my simplified version, of course, so go read it for yourself.