Alcoholism/Drug Addiction and Social Security Disability

There is a great deal of confusion as to whether alcoholism/drug addiction or impairments caused by alcoholism/drug addiction can be the basis of Social Security Disability.

Under current law alcoholism and drug addiction may not be considered as a disabling impairments by the Social Security Administration. Simply stated, a claimant cannot get benefits merely because he/she is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

However, physical or mental impairments cause by alcoholism or drug addiction may be considered disabling so long as they would remain even if the use of drugs or alcohol were stopped.

For example, liver disease caused by drug/alcohol abuse and organic brain damage caused by drinking, may be considered disabling if the medical evidence shows that these conditions are permanent and would exist if the drug and alcohol abuse stopped.

If alcoholism/drug addiction causes a physical or mental impairment and that impairment would disappear if the claimant stopped drinking or using drugs, then the impairment cannot be considered for approving disability. If the impairment cannot be reversed by discontinuing drug or alcohol abuse the impairment can be considered for approving disability.

To increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim it is important for you to hire an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to get you the Social Security Disability help you deserve. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a form on our website for a FREE claim evaluation.