Developmentally Disabled Drinkers (DDD)

This is a unique outpatient alcoholism treatment program licensed by the Illinois Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA). The program addresses the special needs of the developmentally disabled that are alcohol abusers and have been tailored to provide the appropriate services. Clients who receive treatment must be developmentally disabled, assessed to have a substance abuse problem, 18 years of age and older and express a willingness to seek treatment. The services are citywide and clients must be able to self-travel to access treatment.

Clients are provided with the following services:
Intake
Alcohol/Drug Assessment
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling/Education
Family Counseling
Linkage (AA, Alanon)
Referral to Detoxification Long Term Treatment
Recreational/Leisure Activities
Grooming/Hygiene Skills Training

The purpose of this program is to rebuild the community of the individual who is developmentally disabled; to allow him/her to reach his/her maximum potential and become a productive contributor to society and to him/herself.

Alcoholism is an illness resulting from uncontrolled drinking of alcoholic beverages. Likewise, an alcoholic is a person who cannot control his/her drinking, resulting in problems that effect their families, their jobs and their lives.
“Normal” people drink for a number of reasons, such as; to relieve tension, loneliness, boredom, social acceptance, job problems, marital problems, etc. The drinker who is developmentally disabled does the same and sometimes drinks just to be accepted as "normal." He/she is “treated” the same as anyone else when it comes to “treatment” for their alcohol problem.

Most alcohol treatment facilities will not treat a person who is developmentally disabled. The reasons are usually that it is too much for them to handle; or they are not knowledgeable of what developmental disabilities are; or they do not have the time to devote to someone who will not benefit from their particular mode of treatment.
Nia Comprehensive Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc. has instituted a program to address these issues.