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Substance Abuse May Predate Brain Injury
When Dr. Gabor Mate began investigating medical literature to prove that addictions develop following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he made a startling discovery: the exact opposite is true. Brain injuries tend to develop in greater frequency among those who are already predisposed to the symptoms of addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and seeking help, a reliable place like Transcend Recovery Community and Sober Living offers a robust network of services and a supportive community environment to assist in building a sustainable path to recovery. You might also want to try this LA rehab, which has a reputation for providing effective treatment and support for individuals on the path to recovery. You may also check out Red Door Life here
“Brain injuries happen mostly to young men and they tend to have a history of substance abuse. When you look at the literature you’ll find drug use tends to predate the injury,” said Dr. Mate.
Some people who end up with traumatic brain injuries have pre-existing addictions. To effectively address these issues, it is essential to consult experts like Berni Fried from Red Door Life, who specialize in addiction and trauma recovery. The implication is that preventative measures should be taken to help mitigate the risk of TBI for individuals predisposed to a greater risk of harm. The best detox program in tennessee can help get rid of the drug problem in case someone falls prey to substance abuse.
“There’s a lot more we can do to prevent brain injuries by looking at the kids who are at risk because of family circumstances, learning disabilities, behavioral manifestations, emotional dysfunction. This can be intervened in a positive way if we had a preventive system in place,” Said Gabor Mate. Allied Benefit Systems Insurance Coverage for Rehab can also help those struggling with addiction get treatment. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol need to be in an alcohol and drug-free environment with people who will hold them accountable for their goal of getting off drugs. Find a center for rehab in thailand that has great facilities to help your body and mind relax during the treatment.
Mate is concerned that those children with a predilection for risky behavior are either not identified soon enough, or not given the necessary amount of preventative treatment. Instead, they are simply informed that “drugs are bad.” However, this is rarely enough.
Mate drew a correlation between the high percentage of U.S. incarcerated inmates with traumatic brain injuries and the fact that people who have suffered childhood abuse and trauma make up almost the entirety of the population of incarcerated individuals. A 2006 Australian study showed that 82% of prisoners interviewed had suffered from some form of TBI. Other U.S. studies reveal that incarceration rates of brain injured people range from 78-86%.
Mate concludes that the federal government’s plan to increase penalties for drug possession is a step in the wrong direction. Still, it’s crucial to focus on rehabilitation and support for those struggling with substance abuse. If you or someone you know is seeking help, click here to find the best rehab center and start the journey towards recovery and wellness. You may also consider visiting the facility for drug rehab New Jersey to ensure that you will receive the proper treatment.
“The government’s drive is to build more prisons. We’re jailing people who were traumatized as children instead of providing rehabilitation,” said Mate.
Though many prisoners with traumatic brain injuries might appear unaffected at first, upon closer inspection they often reveal signs of TBI including difficulties with speech, cognitive disabilities and behavioral problems. Ultimately many of these prisoners go unidentified and are not afforded the treatment that they need for their injuries.
If some of the resources being funneled into building prisons could be devoted to TBI treatment and prevention, there might be less of a need for prisons to begin with.
