Content provided in partnership with
Health Care Industry
Industry: Email Alert RSS FeedAlcohol abuse and traumatic brain injury
Alcohol Health & Research World, Spring, 1989 by Gregory A. Jones
There is a high incidence of divorce following head injury. Reports of depression and somatic disorders among spouses or children of survivors are common. Many survivors experience social isolation and marginalization as a result of their injuries; peer relationships and support systems are often radically altered.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE
FOLLOWING HEAD INJURY
When the complex variable of alcohol or other drug abuse is considered within the context of the social reintegration of brain injury survivors, the potential for serious problems seems clear. Given that the population as a whole has a high rate of documented alcohol abuse prior to injury (and that alcohol abuse is a key factor in the etiology of brain injury), it is reasonable to suggest that alcohol consumption following injury would also be a problem. This is especially so, considering that the great majority of brain injury survivors are discharged into the community, where alcohol and other drugs are readily accessible. Reilly and colleagues (1986) have identified four factors that increase the risk of alcohol abuse after traumatic injury: 1) increased discretionary time and boredom, 2) increased enabling from family and friends, 3) uncertainty over the ability to return to work or to function effectively at work, and 4) physical limitations and posttraumatic mood change. All of these factors can be found among most brain injury survivors.
While anecdotal reports are numerous, there are few data on the incidence of alcohol and other drug abuse after brain injury. In one of the first attempts to document postinjury use patterns, Sparadeo and Gill (1988) found that 54 percent of the survivors they surveyed had returned to alcohol use after completion of rehabilitation. This was in spite of the fact that the majority had been injured in motor vehicle accidents while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The two major factors influencing abstinence in the remaining 46 percent were the presence of a seizure disorder or placement in long-term, supervised living situations.
CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALCOHOL
AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE PROFESSIONALS
Brain injury survivors present unique problems for counselors and other professionals because the psychosocial and functional consequences of brain injury complicate the already difficult tasks of evaluation and treatment. Given what is known about traumatic brain injury and alcohol abuse, it is likely that most professionals will occasionally encounter brain injury survivors; those practicing in urban areas or among minority populations should give special attention to the incidence and consequences of brain injury. Cognitive and neurobehavioral problems may have an impact on the following areas of practice:
Assessment and diagnosis - Memory deficits tend to make brain injury survivors poor historians, and subjective reports of alcohol or other drug use patterns may be inaccurate. Impaired insight may keep survivors from recognizing that their use patterns are problematic. Because many mild head injuries go unreported (Hillbom and Holm 1986), it is recommended that evaluators inquire about previous accidents or injuries. A simple question such as "Have you ever been knocked unconscious?" may be helpful in a preliminary screening for possible head injury status.
Find Research Guides for:
Most Popular Articles in Health
- Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...
- Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions
- Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...
- The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use
- The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...
- More »