ABSTRACT
With the aid of legal and other professionals, dually diagnosed individuals have secured rights under Social Security, housing, family, non-discrimination, and other laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)2 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act)3 can open new avenues to opportunity. For example, qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities now enjoy the same rights to employment, public accommodations, and public services as other Americans. Nevertheless, a person's addiction to, or abuse of, illegal drugs and/ or alcohol may affect that person's eligibility for benefits, services, access to public accommodations, or employment under these laws. Service providers - whether in doctor's offices or other health facilities - must also comply with the ADA to uphold their patients' rights and to avoid legal liability.
