Supporting people with an intellectual disability who use alcohol and other drugs

People with an intellectual disability often experience effects on their ability to think, concentrate, formulate ideas, problem solve, reason, and remember. Most people with an intellectual disability are classified as having a ‘mild intellectual disability’. This means that many, with support, can and do learn the skills necessary to live in the community relatively independently. You may not always know that someone has an intellectual disability. Understanding the relationship between intellectual disability and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can help workers adjust their approach, so they can help people with an intellectual disability access the support they need.

Easy Read - Getting Help for AOD use

This Easy Read PDF is aimed at people who have low English literacy due to disability or other reasons. It uses simple language and pictures to explain types of drugs, what it means to have a problem, how to cut down, harm reduction advice and how to get help.