The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of alcohol use on life satisfaction
among people with disabilities. In particular, the effect of alcohol use in the context of social
relationships was examined. Analysis of panel data was conducted using data from the Panel
Survey of Employment for the Disabled. As main findings, first, the levels of life satisfaction
and friendship satisfaction were higher among alcohol users compared to nondrinkers. Second,
alcohol use among people with disabilities did not affect their life satisfaction, but interactions
between alcohol use among people with disabilities and friendship satisfaction had a positive
effect on their life satisfaction. Third, Demographic, socioeconomic, economic, disability and
health factors affect life satisfaction of people with disabilities. Finally, study implications
regarding awareness, adaptive alcohol use, and drinking culture were discussed.