Social Security law states that “[a]n individual shall not be considered to be disabled for purposes of this title if alcoholism or drug addiction would…be a contributing factor material to the Commissioner’s determination that the individual is disabled.” SSA § 223(d)(2)(C). While it is true that drug addiction and alcoholism cannot be considered as an aspect of a person’s disability if that addiction or dependence is material to their conditions, what if individuals suffering from addictions are actually re-wiring their brains, affecting their ability to recover from other illnesses or disorders?
A new study has been released regarding the effects of alcoholism on the wiring in our brains. Researchers found that the nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex of alcohol-exposed mice were different than those of non-alcohol exposed mice. Specifically, they found that alcohol-exposed mice had increased issues overcoming fear. The implications of these findings indicate that, due to the re-wiring of their brains, alcoholics may be more likely to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and those who are currently suffering from PTSD or anxiety disorders take longer to recover and overcome fear.
It may be possible to utilize this argument in support of an alcoholic with PTSD before an Administrative Law Judge of the Social Security Administration. Nerve damage, which affects the ability to recover from traumatic events, may break the barrier for alcoholics and addicts to receive benefits. Because alcoholism and addiction affects many people across the country, the findings from this study could very well be a small step forward for those individuals to obtain the benefits they need.
For more information on PTSD and alcohol, look here, here, and here.
