managing the stresses of addiction after tbi april smith, mssa, lsw, peggy shecket, ms, cdca, &...
TRANSCRIPT
Managing the Stresses of Addiction after TBI
April Smith, MSSA, LSW,
Peggy Shecket, MS, CDCA, &
Max Stafford, MA, LCDCIII, OCPSI-1
TBI in the USAAccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year 52,000 people die as a result of TBI 275,000 are hospitalized 1,365,000 are treated and discharged from ERs TBI rates are higher for males than females
Causes of TBI Falls = 35.2% Unknown= 21% MVAs= 17.3% Struck by/ Against= 16.5% Assault= 10%
*Injuries commonly associated with drug and alcohol use are motor vehicle accidents, assault, domestic violence and falls.
Impact of Substance use on TBI
According to the Colorado TBI Registry and Follow up
20% of persons hospitalized due to TBI are intoxicated at the time of injury
17% of persons hospitalized report illegal drug use during the year prior to their injury
10% to 20% of persons with severe injuries develop a substance abuse problem after TBI
Substance Abuse vs. Dependence
Using alcohol or drugs and failing to fulfill responsibilities
“Harmful use” Using alcohol or drugs in
situations that could be hazardous
Acquiring legal, social or interpersonal problems because alcohol or drug use
Increased tolerance of alcohol or drugs
Unsuccessful efforts to quit Staying high or drunk longer Spending a large amount of time
and energy to get drugs or alcohol
Giving up important things or activities because of alcohol or drug use
Withdrawal Continued use despite physical or
mental problems caused by alcohol or drug use.
Reasons why people use drugs and alcohol
Biology- genes, environment, gender, ethnicity, presence of mental disorders
Environment- family, friends, SES, quality of life, peer pressure, physical/sexual abuse, stress and parental involvement
Development- onset of alcohol or drug use, brain injury, trauma
Drug &/or alcohol abuse leads to changes in brain structure, function, and chemistry.
Repeated use of drugs/ alcohol changes the brain’s functioning, i.e. self-control, decision making, poor impulse control.
Drugs and alcohol “fool” the brain’s pleasure centers (dopamine) producing euphoria. Therefore taking the place of natural behaviors like emotions, eating , spending time with loved ones, motivation and controlling movement.
So what are the risks of using drugs and
alcohol after TBI? The side effects of substance use can increase the symptoms of brain
injury (balance, speech, judgment, memory, etc.) Increased chance of seizures Decreased satisfaction of life Poor self-care (eating, medication management, attending medical
appointments,etc.) Risk of fatality mixing drugs/alcohol with medications Risk of having another injury
Coping Strategies
Physical-exercise, movement…
Mental-thought stimulating activities…
Attitude- the perspective you choose to have…
Examples- who inspires you…
Communication- those you can speak with…
Social Support- positive and supporting environments…
Purpose- why should I make this choice…
Planning- the big picture, but in manageable pieces…
Resources
