Is Addiction Classed as a Disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995?

A disability is defined by Section 1(1) Disability Discrimination Act 1995  to be a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on an individual’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Whilst various conditions do fall within the definition of a disability, there are certain conditions that fall outside the scope of the statutory definition, such as an individual who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Employers may have individuals within their workforce suffering from substance abuse, whether it is known or unknown to them. However, it is important for employers to be aware that an employee who is an addict, whether it is to