ABSTRACT
This chapter discuss four characteristics of the disability experience. These are 1) chronic pain; 2) physical disfigurements; 3) the “try harder” syndrome; and 4) substance abuse and alcoholism. None of these aspects are found in all types of disabilities; but some of these aspects are found in some individuals with disabilities. However, more IWDs do live with these conditions than do IWODs. Others tend to avoid those with chronic pain because these individuals remind them of their possibility of experiencing pain. Therefore, chronic pain tends to be socially isolating. Physical disfigurements are also socially isolating in spite of the fact that many disfigurements do not result in functional limitations. The higher rates of substance abuse and alcoholism among IWDs is presented and ten disability-related possible causes of substance abuse and alcoholism are presented. Also, the interaction of substance abuse and various types of disabilities is discussed. Practice applications are provided.
