The purpose of this study is to provide a profile of youths with hearing loss admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities. Intake data on 4,167 youths (28% female; 3% reporting a hearing loss) collected via the Global Appraisal of Individual Need-I assessment was used for the analyses. Information on demographics, environmental…

Provides an overview of chemical dependency, assessment issues, and considerations unique to the deaf and hard-of-hearing population. A chemical-dependency assessment tool developed by the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals is described and a case study illustrating application of this assessment process…

Discusses the situation faced by deaf and hard of hearing adolescents dealing with a substance abuse problem. A model chemical dependency treatment program, the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, is described. (JPS)

A study asked 100 individuals with hearing impairments to complete alcohol and drug program pretreatment and posttreatment surveys. Following treatment, improvements were found in participants' attitudes, vocabulary related to substance abuse, and knowledge of issues relating to treatment. Ten recommendations for future treatment programs are…

This article addresses issues of chemical dependency treatment of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and reports on specialized treatment approaches developed by the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals. This population faces special barriers to treatment and recovery including lack of recognition…

Current research indicates that D/deaf and hard of hearing clients seeking treatment for substance abuse often encounter obstacles in receiving the help they need. Many of these obstacles are the result of a lack of knowledge and experience with regard to treating D/deaf and hard of hearing people. Programs designed for hearing people that attempt…

The Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Hearing Impaired Youth, a joint venture of St. Mary's and Fairview Riverside Hospitals, is part of Riverside Medical Center and housed at Saint Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis. It is an 18-bed inpatient program serving hearing-impaired individuals aged 16 years and up. All staff (including such…

This paper discusses issues and offers recommendations related to drug/alcohol counseling and drug/alcohol abuse prevention for postsecondary school personnel who work with deaf or hard-of-hearing students. The paper discusses characteristics of the target population, the lack of appropriate treatment services, communication modes of the target…

This paper describes Riverside Medical Center's Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Hearing Impaired Youth, which began in Minneapolis in 1989 to serve chemically dependent hearing-impaired adolescents and young adults, primarily aged 16 to 25 but sometimes serving clients as young as 12. The paper offers a rationale for development of a…

This paper discusses the complex issues faced by clinicians providing counseling to chemically dependent individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are from ethnic, racial, or cultural minority groups. It shares specific examples from the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, as well as…

This report provides an overview of chemical dependency, communication barriers, and assessment/treatment considerations for individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments and have drug or alcohol problems. Following a discussion of the pattern of substance abuse, risk factors, and signs and symptoms, the report describes a model treatment…