Adolescents and adults with impairments (mobility, cognitive, hearing, vision, self-care, or communication) in the US are more than twice as likely to use illicit drugs as those without impairments. Among emerging adults, hallucinogens were the most commonly used drug in the past year, with 12.8% of those with impairments reporting use compared to 7.1% of those without. People with impairments first tried an illicit drug at an average age of 16.2 years, significantly younger than the average of 18.1 years for peers without impairments. The findings suggest that disability status is associated with elevated and earlier illicit drug use.
Among disabled adults, past-year hallucinogen use is more common (8.37%) than among nondisabled adults (4.86%). Of disabled adults who used hallucinogens, nearly half reported a major depressive episode, over two-thirds reported serious psychological distress, and about 40% reported suicidal thinking, planning, or attempt. About 4% said hallucinogen use worsened or caused emotional or mental health problems. The findings come from a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18–50.