Traumatic Brain Injury and Drug Use—A Closer Look

It’s the big game. You’re running full speed toward the goal line. You have it in sight. You are focused. You are fast. This is it. BAM! You’ve been hit. This is not it. The ball is gone. The moment is passed. And you are on your back. Nothing is broken. But your brain has been rattled. That hit has led to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain. Every brain injury, even a concussion, is a TBI. A concussion happens when the brain bumps the skull, causing mild damage, almost like a bruise. Usually a concussion causes a change in how the brain works or a short loss of consciousness. So, why are we talking about TBI on a blog about drugs? Because a recent study reports that people who suffered a TBI before the age of 5 or between ages 16 and 25 were at an increased risk for dependence on alcohol and drugs. What Does TBI Have To Do With Drug Dependence? The verdict is still out on that. What we do know is that our brains continue to grow and develop into our late teens and early 20s. This is a time when our brains are, frankly, more vulnerable physically—not to just having a TBI in the first place, but to the consequences of TBI, including an increased risk for drug problems. What Can Happen When You Use Drugs After a TBI? Beyond just increasing the use of drugs, a TBI can also make alcohol and drug use more harmful. For example: After a TBI, teens may feel the effects of alcohol and drugs more...
Source: NIDA Drugs and Health Blog - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: blogs