Alcohol compounds the injury and multiplies further cellular death after initial impact and damage.

Alcohol's main target is the brain, affecting it in many ways.

• disrupts neuronal cell membranes and neurochemical transmission
• cerebral hemorrhage
• cerebral atrophy
• altered platelet function and increased capillary weakness
• impaired ability to restore circulation post-injury
• depressed cardiac function
• reduced sympathetic nervous system activation
• reduced blood pressure
• increased vulnerability to infection
• higher rate of respiratory complications

The disrupting symptoms to the brain cause psychosocial effects on the body, due to alcohol and head injury.

• impaired memory
• impaired reasoning
• poor impulse control
• lethargy
• agitation
• disorientation and confusion
• respiratory depression
• altered reactions to people and situations
• difficulties in maintaining employment
• increased social isolation
• difficulties with social adjustment

Alcohol affects everyone in different ways, depending on factors such as age, gender, amount of food consumed, medications, and type of alcohol consumed. It is important to be aware of your blood alcohol level and how each additional drink affects your abilities to think, reason, and drive.

IMPAIRMENT BEGINS AFTER ONLY ONE DRINK!!!

***For more information on the effects of alcohol on the brain, visit the Substance Abuse Information Guide for Parents

***Visit MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to learn more about keeping roadways safe from drunk drivers

Some individuals with head injury take the substance abuse further than alcohol.  Researchers found cocaine abuse to have the following effects on the brain.

• alterations in neurotransmitter functioning
• subarachnoid hemorrhage
• cerebral infarction
• intraparenchymal hemorrhage
• cerebral vasculitis
• cerebral arterial spams
• cerebral perfusion defects (in frontal and temporal lobes)

• selective impairment of concentration
• memory impairment
• impairment of visuoconstructive abilities
• difficulty understanding abstract concepts