E-therapy as a Means for Addressing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Persons who are Deaf

Authors

Dennis Moore, Wright State University
Debra Guthmann, California School for the Deaf
Nikki Rogers, Wright State University
Susan Frake, Wright State University
Jared Embree, Wright State University

Keywords

Deaf, substance use disorders, treatment, e-therapy, culturally appropriate

Abstract

Persons who are deaf face a number of challenges with regard to vulnerability for substance use disorders. Moreover, accessible treatment for this condition can be difficult to establish and maintain. The Deaf community may be one of the most disenfranchised groups in America in regard to appropriate access to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment services. This article reviews findings related to substance use disorder and treatment for this condition among persons who are deaf. It also reviews a promising approach for addressing treatment needs via e-therapy, and it highlights the challenges and concerns regarding e-therapy for this population. E-therapy services demonstrate promise in reaching a larger and therefore more economically viable treatment population of deaf individuals while providing culturally appropriate and comprehensible recovery support options. Demographic and intermediate treatment outcome data are presented on a state-wide program established to serve persons who are deaf in the mid-west.

Recommended Citation

Moore, Dennis; Guthmann, Debra; Rogers, Nikki; Frake, Susan; and Embree, Jared (2009) "E-therapy as a Means for Addressing Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Persons who are Deaf," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 36: Iss. 4, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3473
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol36/iss4/6