Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 39 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Social Security Disability Claims."

Most people think substance abuse and Social Security Disability benefits don’t mix - that a history of addiction means automatic denial. The reality is more nuanced. Substance abuse can affect your claim, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The key is understanding how Social Security evaluates cases, what “materiality” means, and how your medical conditions fit the rules. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, disability law expert Nancy L. Cavey explains how substance abuse influences Social Security Disability claims - and what you must prove. She outlines the strict guidelines around addiction, what Social Security looks for in medical records, and why the central question is whether you’d still be disabled if you stopped using drugs or alcohol. Nancy also breaks down confusing scenarios: why addiction alone can’t qualify you, how substance abuse interacts with conditions like liver disease, neuropathy, or mental illness, and how Social Security decides if addiction remains “material” to your disability. You’ll learn which evidence matters most - treatment history, periods of sobriety, documentation of ongoing medical problems, and medical opinions showing your limitations independent of substance use. She clears up misconceptions about addiction-related claims and explains how judges assess your condition, what they expect in your records, and why consistent evidence is essential. By the end, you’ll understand how Social Security views addiction, the hurdles you may face, and the steps you and your attorney can take to show your disability is real and not solely due to substance use. Winning isn’t easy, but with preparation and honest documentation, you can present a strong case.
In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Why Are Alcoholics or Drug Addicts Getting Paid Social Security Disability Benefits?

Two - What Do You Have to Prove to Get Your Social Security Disability Benefits?

Three - How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate “Materiality” in Addiction-Related Disability Claims?

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.
Listen to Our Sister Podcast:
We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits
FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/
Need Help Today?:
Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.
Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.
Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.