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Substance Abuse and Brain Injuries
Substance Use and Abuse After Brain Injury: A
Programmer's Guide
Substance Use: Due to
the effects on the brain, any substance use following brain injury should
be avoided, even if it does not lead to intoxication. Substance use includes
the consumption of alcohol, other non-prescribed drugs and/or the misuse
of prescribed medications.
Substance Abuse and Dependence: Substance abuse and dependence
as used in this manual are consistent with definitions provided in the
DSM IV. Substance abuse includes any of the following consequences happening
within a year:
- Failure to fullfill major obligations at home, work or school;
- Engaging in potentially hazardous behavior;
- Legal problems; or
- Social or interpersonal problems.
Substance dependence has more severe manifestations,
particularly signs of physiologic dependence.
Prevention: Activities
that motivate a person to choose not to use, or resume use, following
brain injury.
Intervention: Activities that facilitate
the acceptance of professional help for a substance use problem.
Treatment: Professional services that motivate
a person with a substance use problem to consider, achieve and maintain
abstinence.
Substance Abuse Education Series
"Lessons from Little Red Riding Hood"