It has been generally confirmed that many patients being treated for traumatic brain injuries got their injuries from substance abuse, or substance abuse played a role in the injury. There are many ways that substances could be involved in brain injuries, such as a victim might have been using substances when they received the brain injury, substances may have been used before the injury was sustained, or the substances may not play a roll until after the patient is discharged from the medical facilities. There are many questions you may have regarding yourself or a loved one's substance abuse problems and the connection that they have to a brain injury.

Who Is At Risk For Traumatic Brain Injury?

Alcohol abuse plays a major role in traumatic brain injury, with many incidents occurring in relation to automobile crashes or heavy equipment used while under the influence. The medical community recognizes that young males are the most likely to suffer from alcohol-related TBI. These incidents may be isolated, but many fall within a context of broader substance abuse: for example, a longitudinal study at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio has found that nearly 60 percent of their patient sample had prior histories of drug and alcohol abuse.

Someone with a previous record of substance abuse may have a more difficult time being hospitalized than those with no previous record or history. This is due to the fact that many patients are both recovering from their brain injuries and dealing with the frustrating physical and emotional effects of detoxification. The presence of drug or alcohol abuse can also complicate diagnoses, as many of the symptoms of overdose (respiratory depression, lethargy, confusion, apathy, and disorientation) are similar to those of traumatic brain injury. Thus, TBI is sometimes overlooked, leading to complications and ongoing symptoms related to insufficient care.

After Discharge: Substance Abuse A Risk For TBI Patients

The struggles with substance abuse do not necessarily end when a traumatic brain injury patient is released from the hospital and discharged to his or her home and community. In fact, they are sometimes just beginning: Victims of TBIs often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional disturbances or changes in personality that might be a result of a brain injury. The brain injury patient may not even be able to disclose his or her own problems with substances due to after effects of the injury such as speech issues or memory loss; similarly, they may already exhibit external symptoms some would associate with intoxication and may feel that it doesn't matter if they actually indulge in those substances since their physical symptoms already make them seem as if they do.

What Can Families Do About Substance Abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury?

Loved ones and families of the victim can be the biggest help in acquainting themselves and making interventions in the substance abuse after the brain injury. Since families usually take on a caretaker role after a brain injured victim is discharged from intensive medical care, they are often the first to recognize that their family member has a substance abuse problem. Families taking care of these patients do have ways to help the person with a substance abuse problem such as letting the health care providers know, or advise their loved one to find help. A drug-free surrounding that is supportive provided by the families can be another way to help the substance abuser and brain injury victim towards rehabilitation and regaining all functions. However, substance abuse can have an enormous negative impact on family members who suffer emotionally as their loved one slides into dangerous habits. It is essential that families of traumatic brain injury survivors with associated substance abuse issues seek out their own support, either through a professional counselor or a local Al-Anon group, in order to cope with the ravages of substance abuse.

Some families may wish to hire an experienced brain injury attorney to help them address not only medical care for substance abuse treatment, but the myriad of other issues related to traumatic brain injury. TBI is stressful on families and individuals; a clever lawyer who is an expert at brain injuries can maneuver the legal system and find essential services and help and possibly also help to find financial support or compensation for expenses that can come from being out of work or needing medication, as well as emotional turmoil.