The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as someone who:
Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, speaking, breathing, working, or performing manual tasks.
Has a record of such an impairment, meaning a history of a disability, even if they are no longer currently experiencing the impairment
Is regarded as having such an impairment, even if they do not actually have a disability, but are treated as if they do by others (e.g., discrimination based on perceived disability).
Here's how the ADA addresses addiction:
Alcoholism: Alcoholism is recognized as a disability under the ADA if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. An individual with alcoholism is protected from discrimination, but employers and organizations can enforce rules regarding alcohol use in the workplace or public spaces.
Drug Addiction: A person with a history of illegal drug addiction who is no longer using drugs can also be considered to have a disability. This protection applies to people who are in rehabilitation or have successfully completed a drug treatment program.
However, individuals currently using illegal drugs are not protected under the ADA. The ADA explicitly excludes current illegal drug users from its protections, meaning that employers and organizations can refuse to hire or accommodate individuals who are actively using illegal drugs.
Prescription Drugs: People addicted to legally prescribed medications may also be protected under the ADA, as long as their addiction substantially limits major life activities and they are not engaging in illegal use of prescription drugs.
Many neurological disorders fall under this definition. Below are some of the neurological disorders that typically fall under the ADA’s definition of a disability:
