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Substance Abuse
After brain injury
By John Corrigan & Roberta DePompei ~ 1999
Substance abuse and substance dependence are two substance use disorders. They are different than being intoxicated. With disorders, there are physical, cognitive or social consequences for the person using alcohol or other drugs. In adults, it is important to distinguish between the use of alcohol and other drugs and their misuse.
For the youth with a brain injury, any use is misuse. Use of alcohol or illicit drugs is illegal for youth and can have consequences on that basis alone. But any use of alcohol and other drugs by a youth with a brain injury can slow recovery, worsen symptoms, interact with prescribed medications, or even increase the possibility of seizures.
Relationship of Substance Use to Brain Injury
There are many reasons why substance use and traumatic brain injury often go together.
Alcohol or illicit drugs were used before the injury.
Habits of drug use are hard to change and resuming previous use is common. It is even harder if peers drink or use other drugs.
Drug and alcohol use can develop after a brain injury.
Adjusting to a disability is stressful. Frustration, anger, and sorrow are natural reactions to losses and changes caused by brain injury. Youths may turn to substances to “feel better”.
Tolerance levels of substances are decreased.
The person becomes high faster and longer after a brain injury, regardless of prior patterns of substance use. A smaller quantity of chemicals can produce a magnified, uncharacteristic effect which may feel pleasurable to the youth.
