Drugs and Alcohol

Why are they Important to Consider in Rehabilitation Planning?

• Drugs and alcohol play a role in about half of all brain injuries. And, about half of all people with brain injuries are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Strangely, these are not always the same people.
• The effect of drinking alcohol after a brain injury may be more powerful. For folks who already have trouble walking, talking, thinking, and controlling themselves, this is a big deal.
• People who have brain injuries often end up lonely and isolated or just plain bored. Drinking or using drugs may be used as a way to cope, fill time, or connect with others.
• People with brain injuries may have trouble grasping or holding onto the concept of sobriety or abstinence. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous may require additional support in order to make sense or be effective.

Rehab practitioners need to assess individual relationships to drugs and alcohol, be aware of the dangers involved, and know where to turn to help when needed. As with all parts of rehab, it is crucial to look at the whole life and address what really is impacting the individual at hand.