Under AD, narcotic addiction is considered a disease and the adult is evaluated for
a permanent and total disability as a sick person.
A report of a psychiatric evaluation should be secured whenever possible on narcotic
addicts in addition to the usual medical and social information reports.
Form DSS-1549, Physician's Statement for Determination of Disability for Narcotic
Addiction, should be used for medical report in lieu of Form DSS-486, since Form DSS-1549
contains information specifically related to drug usage and treatment.
When a drug addict has received treatment for the addiction in an approved hospital,
approved residential, nonresidential or after care facility, etc., a report should
be secured from such facility. If the report is adequate for the review team to make
a determination, it will be unnecessary to secure medical and psychiatric reports
on the patient. However, to be acceptable, such reports must include medical documentation
of the addiction.
The following information on the social information report, especially when a report,
from a psychiatric resource or drug treatment facility is unavailable, will help clarify
the person's situation for the review team:
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1.
The extent to which narcotic usage has adversely affected interpersonal relationship
(with family and friends).
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2.
The extent to which narcotic usage has adversely affected schooling or has resulted
in inability to secure and sustain employment.
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3.
Evidence of ethical deterioration.
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4.
Information as to how patient has supported his habit.
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5.
Information on arrests and criminal acts due to narcotic usage.
The categorical worker may not be able to secure all of the information through direct
contact with the person. Some of it may be secured only from family, an employer,
a services worker, the case record or other source.