📊 Key Fact

👉 Adults with disabilities are more at risk of alcohol misuse

They may be nearly twice as likely to develop alcohol problems
They make up a larger proportion of people with addiction

👉 This is a health inequality

⚠️ What is Heavy Drinking?

Heavy drinking can include:

Drinking a large amount in one day
Drinking often
Using alcohol to cope

👉 Example:

8 or more drinks in one day = high-risk drinking

🧠 Why Risk is Higher

🩺 Chronic Pain

Ongoing pain can be very difficult
Some people use alcohol to cope

🧠 Mental Health

People may experience:

Depression
Anxiety disorder

👉 Alcohol may be used to manage feelings

🧍 Social Isolation

Loneliness
Unemployment
Low income

👉 These increase risk

🧩 Complex Needs

People may have:

Multiple disabilities
Cognitive difficulties

👉 This can increase risk further

⚠️ Barriers to Support

People with disabilities may face:

Difficulty accessing services
Transport issues
Services not adapted
Lack of clear information

👉 This leads to unmet needs

📉 Treatment Gap

👉 Fewer people with disabilities receive support

Even though:

Need is higher

🩺 Impact on Health

Heavy drinking increases risk of:

Cancer
Heart disease
Liver disease
Mental health problems

👉 It can also worsen existing conditions

❤️ Important Message

👉 Many people want help

👉 But support must be:

Accessible
Understanding
Person-centred

🧑‍⚕️ Good Support

✅ What Works

Clear communication
Easy Read information
Non-judgmental approach
Flexible services

❌ What Does Not Work

Blame
Pressure
Ignoring emotional needs

🧠 Key Training Message

👉 “Alcohol misuse is often linked to pain, stress, and inequality—not just choice.”

🎭 Case Studies

Case 1: Pain and Alcohol

A patient:

Has chronic pain
Drinks daily

👉 Learning:

Address pain as well as alcohol use

Case 2: Missed Support

A person:

Wants help
Cannot access services

👉 Learning:

Services must be accessible

Case 3: Positive Approach

A professional:

Listens
Offers support
Uses simple language

👉 Result:

Patient engages with help

🧩 Activities

✏️ Activity 1: Reflection

Why might someone use alcohol to cope?

🧠 Activity 2: Scenario

A patient says:
“I drink because it helps me feel better”

👉 What would you say?

🎭 Activity 3: Role Play

Practice supportive conversation
Avoid judgment

❓ Quiz

1. Are people with disabilities at higher risk?

a) No
b) Yes
c) Not sure

2. Why might alcohol use be higher?

a) No reason
b) Pain and stress
c) Choice only

3. What should professionals do?

a) Judge
b) Support
c) Ignore

✅ Answers

📊 PowerPoint Slides

Alcohol and disability
Key statistics
Heavy drinking explained
Why risk is higher
Mental health link
Barriers to support
Health impact
Support approaches
Case studies
Key message

📄 Workbook Section

Reflection

Why is this a health inequality?
What barriers exist?

Scenario Task