Long-Term Disability In Florida For Drug And Alcohol Disorders

Alcoholism and substance abuse can wreak havoc in every area of your life. Despite your desire to stop, it can end up costing you your family, career, and even your life.

In addition to putting yourself at immediate risk by consuming large amounts of alcohol or drugs, addiction increases the risk of long-term disabilities. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains common impacts and your rights in seeking benefits.

Can You Get Long-Term Disability Benefits For Drug And Alcohol Addiction? 

Florida Health Charts reveal alarming facts about alcoholism and drug addiction throughout the state. More than 10,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms due to unintentional drug overdoses each year. Meanwhile, roughly 20 percent of all adults in the Sunshine State describe themselves as heavy or binge drinkers.

When addiction takes hold, it can have a major impact on your abilities on the job. Employer-provided insurance benefits may pay for treatment and lost wages, but the expectation is that you will recover. However, even if your substance abuse issues are arrested, heavy or long-term drinking and drug use can take a heavy toll on your overall health. According to the National Institutes of Health, potential impacts include:

• Heart problems;
• Cancer and other diseases;
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders;
• Cognitive impairments;
• Life-threatening infections;
• Accidental injuries.

While you may not be entitled to long-term disability for alcohol or drug addiction, you may be able to receive benefits if the above or other impacts prevent you from working for a year or longer.

Social Security Disability Benefits For Addiction

Employer-provided long-term disability insurance benefits can help offset your lost income in certain situations where drug or alcohol use prevents you from working for a year or longer. What if you do not have this type of coverage? You may be entitled to benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In determining whether you can receive Social Security disability benefits, the agency will consider the following, among other factors:

• Whether your alcoholism or drug addiction contributes to your disabled status, or whether you would be able to return to work if you quit using.
• Physical or mental health conditions and limitations that prevent you from working and would not improve with abstinence.

The bottom line is that while you may be entitled to long-term disability coverage either through an employer-provided policy or Social Security, your benefits may be reduced or denied if alcoholism or addiction is the primary factor preventing you from working.

Request A Consultation With Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

Heavy drinking and drug use can wreak havoc with your health. When related health problems prevent you from working for a year or longer, you may be entitled to long-term disability benefits.

Farrell Disability Law provides the caring support and professional legal guidance you need to protect your rights, whether filing for benefits or seeking an appeal. Contact our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer today and request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.

Sources:

flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=SubstanceUse.RiskBehaviors&islCounty=69

nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health#:~:text=People%20with%20addiction%20often%20have,drug%20use%20throughout%20the%20body

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html