Alcoholism and drug addiction are not considered disabling impairments by the Social Security administration. It is important to note that alcoholics and people that are addicted to drugs may still be found disabled so long as those conditions are not “a contributing factor material to the determination of disability.”

To simplify this, what this means is a disabled individual in Phoenix can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if they have issues with alcohol and drug addiction as long as they have other medical conditions that are actually creating the disability.

In addition, the many health problems that are caused by alcoholism or drug addiction may also be considered disabling if the conditions still remain once a claimant discontinues use of those substances.

At Fendon Law Firm, we pride ourselves on assisting individuals injured on the job and in need of Social Security disability benefits. We have offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, and Prescott Valley. Please contact us for a free consultation on your workers’ compensation or Social Security disability case.