Dual disorders: Mild intellectual disability and substance abuse

Abstract

In European countries, there is an increasing awareness that substance abuse also occurs among people with a mild intellectual disability (MID). Individuals with MID often do not fit within the traditional (addiction) treatment systems and subsequently treatment outcomes can be poor. To improve outcome and treatment retention, programmes should be adapted to the specific needs and competences of these patients. This chapter describes substance abuse among people with MID from a European perspective. It aims at providing information and practical tools for both screening and treatment interventions.