People who have had a brain injury often say or do things without thinking first, a problem that is made worse by using alcohol and other drugs. Disinhibition is a common problem associated with both traumatic brain injury and substance use. Not being able to control what you say or do can lead to a myriad of problems, such as increased risk-taking, arguments, or other socially inappropriate behaviour. While the person with the brain injury may learn compensatory strategies to control their behaviour, they are unable to utilize these strategies effectively when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Brain injuries cause problems with thinking, like concentration or memory, and using alcohol and other drugs makes these worse.
Many people have to learn new skills, or relearn old ones, following a brain injury.
People may have trouble with concentration, memory, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. Alcohol and other drugs can also interfere with the ability to think and learn new information. The combination can produce even more serious impairments. After a brain injury, alcohol and other drugs have a more powerful effect. Brain injury results in a loss of brain cells.