Brain Injuries and Addictions

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The same might be said about brain injuries and addictions. Are those already suffering from addictions more likely to have brain injuries? There is a theory that this may be the case.

If this is the case, where does one begin to help keep brain injuries from happening? There is evidence to indicate that substance abuse often becomes a factor following a brain injury. But there is equal evidence to indicate that some of those who have had substance abuse problems before their injuries have contributed to them by putting themselves into high risk situations.

When does it begin? Learning disabilities, behavioral problems and emotional dysfunction are some of the childhood issues that could contribute to the risk of brain injuries later in life. These children are usually not identified early enough. Teens who abuse alcohol and drugs have been discovered to have brain abnormalities which sometimes leads to cognitive impairment. This also places them at a higher risk for brain injuries. And even more serious is that a high percentage of the prison population, males in particular, have suffered a brain injury and have also had a background of teen substance abuse. According to some experts in the field, more programs are needed to address these childhood problems before they experience more serious issues by putting themselves at risk.

Following a brain injury, many sufferers, once released from the hospital may resume their previous patterns of behavior because they have more free time, fewer activities to keep them busy and they find drinking or using drugs is a way of dealing with the emotional consequences of their injury.

Even those brain injury survivors who have not previously been substance abusers may do so because of boredom and the fact that former friends may rarely visit. Tolerance for alcohol is decreased following a head injury and even small amounts can further decrease cognitive and physical functioning. Because of memory deficits, survivors are unlikely to be aware of the extent of their substance abuse or at the very least will not be willing to admit to the extent of their use. As family members, by necessity, return to work and other activities, it is difficult to monitor so it is easy for the brain injured patient to become involved in a lifestyle of substance abuse.

And because symptoms of alcohol abuse such as an unsteady gait and slurred speech can be similar to some symptoms of brain injury, it is difficult to determine whether in fact they have a problem with substance abuse. But many types of alcohol and a drug such as marijuana especially have a distinctive odor. It may be necessary also to notice whether these symptoms are only noticeable when the patient has been on his own. Unfortunatelhy, brain injury recovery is difficult, if not impossible, if alcohol or substance abuse is a factor.

It is important to know when there is a risk for brain injury to happen and to take the necessary steps toward prevention. This is particularly true in the case of children who, because of various situations in their lives, are more at risk.