Traumatic Brain Injury CausesĪ traumatic brain injury can be caused by a forceful shock or blow to the head.

This type of therapeutic approach that addresses the severity of each condition together is known as dual diagnosis treatment. Not only are those living with a TBI at greater risk for developing a substance use disorder, people struggling with substance abuse issues are more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury due to impairment from drugs or alcohol.įor recovery to be effective and successful, it is critical that both the traumatic brain injury and the addictive disorder be identified and treated at the same time. Unfortunately, the confusion and pain that follows can drive self-destructive choices and is one of the reasons traumatic brain injury and substance abuse or addiction are often linked. This type of tragedy can impair or alter the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is one of the starker realities of our physical vulnerability and fragility. In a split second, a terrible accident that leads to traumatic brain injury can change the course of a person’s life forever. Alcohol and concussions can be a dangerous mix, and the same holds true for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance abuse.