Brain injury and addiction are often linked
Traumatic brain injury may result in a reduced or altered state of mind. Those who have experienced a brain injury may be dealing with cognitive, behavioral and functional deficits. Many people with TBI, who did not use alcohol or drugs before their injury, are more susceptible to alcohol and drug use. Vulnerability to substance misuse and abuse can be a result of chronic pain, cognitive problems, adjustment and grief issues, and reduced ability to cope with life's new challenges. In some cases, substance abuse may be related to the occurrence of the brain injury. Sometimes people's insight is impaired, increasing one's risk of misusing substances. A lack of insight and self-awareness can make it difficult for them to understand their behaviors or to predict the negative consequences of those behaviors. Individuals with a brain injury and substance-related addictions are at risk for seizures and additional brain injuries.
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