The Americans with Disabilities Act and Substance Use Disorder

This virtual event took place on May 25, 2022.
The Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at the O'Neill Institute, together with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), invite you to join us on May 25, 2022, at 2:00 PM ET for a discussion entitled, “The Americans with Disabilities Act and Substance Use Disorder: Rights, Responsibilities, and Looking Ahead.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act has broad implications for individuals with substance use disorder in housing, carceral settings, and employment. The U.S. Department of Justice recently released guidance clarifying how the Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with opioid use disorder. The speakers will explore protections afforded to people with substance use disorder, including individuals receiving medications for opioid use disorder.
Welcoming Remarks: The Honorable Charlotte A. Burrows, Commissioner, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; William F. Haning, President, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Speakers:
-Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice
-Aaron Konopasky, Senior Attorney Advisor, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Moderated by: Regina LaBelle, Director, Addiction and Public Policy Initiative, The O’Neill Institute
This webinar is intended for educational purposes only. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the participants and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, not the opinion or position of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). ASAM does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented.

[@alynnem0z]

what a great group of people. thank you all!

[@MerimaBrkic-qi7zm]

I forgot to mention several important factors. I am in recovery and I see a therapist regularly but there is no treatment as far as medication therapy for meth use disorder. I have been to rehab a few times and graduated successfully. I have done IOP and graduated successfully. I was in a program in jail known as FOCUS which was court appointed for me to help me with my substance abuse disorder. I completed it successfully and graduated with a certificate. I have lived in several halfway houses but never stayed long as I firmly believed it was more detrimental to my recovery. The frequent relapses,drama,discrimination,hate speech and immoral behavior led me to a mobile crisis. I used to go to NA meetings but people,especially men would try and give me drugs in exchange for sexual favors and I didn’t feel comfortable sharing in a setting where my past drug dealers attended the meetings regularly and some were even the chairman who still sold illegal drugs. I found what works best for me are things such as individual therapy,religion,meditation,positive self affirmations,the support I receive from my friends and family and equine pet therapy.

[@MerimaBrkic-qi7zm]

Would I be covered under the ADA if I’m currently clean but at times have frequently relapses? I have a co-occurring disorder which includes both a mental illness and substance abuse disorder. I am also permanently disabled and receive a monthly check from Social Security. My major depressive disorder is usually what leads me to relapse. My symptoms are never ending seovere depression,anhedonia,agony,despair,inability to shower or eat,inability to talk or move and sleeping all the time. Psychiatric medications don’t work for me. I am medication resistant. I have had ECT in 2016 as a result of major severe depression and cutting. When I can’t function sometimes I use meth for a short time to help me function and be productive. It’s fake now so it doesn’t even help or show up in my system. Thank you. That’s all for now.