Alcohol and Concussions Dangers, Risks, & Harmful Effects

What is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when the skull is struck, punctured, or thrown out of place due to falls, vehicle accidents, flying or propelling objects striking the head, or physical contact, such as during a contact sport. A concussion may result from blunt or penetrating trauma, which tears or shears brain tissue and causes damage or death. Internal bleeding, brain swelling, a lack of oxygen, or other events leading to the end of brain cells are examples of secondary consequences. Sometimes a concussion affects a certain brain area, but concussion symptoms can also be widespread.

Anyone can get a concussion, no matter where they live. The emergency departments of hospitals treat and release around 80% of patients who suffer concussions. Unknown numbers of people sustain concussions yet choose not to get help.

In every age group, males get more concussions than females do. Ages 15 to 19 and 75 and older are the most typical age ranges for concussions. Concussions in sports are by far the most common kind.

There are several situations in which the brain cannot be protected, even with protective gear, such as those worn for physical events, military drills, and combat. IED blast waves, for instance, can harm even those wearing body armor and helmets.

Skip To:

• What is a Concussion?
• Concussion and Alcohol
• Drinking Alcohol With a Concussion
• Alcohol and Concussion Recovery
• Can You Drink Alcohol With a Mild Concussion?
• Alcohol Post Concussion
• When Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After Concussion?
• Concussion and Alcoholism Treatment

Learn More:

• Early Signs of Alcoholism
• Recovering from Alcoholism

3.3 million

Between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen each year.

Source: UPMC

Concussion and Alcohol

The recovery of brain after a concussion can be harmed by drinking alcohol. It might keep symptoms from going away or, in some situations, make them worse. Alcohol concussion affects how the brain functions because it is a psychoactive substance. The effects of alcohol may be intensified by these changes, which can be more sensitive in a concussed brain. With a concussion, even one drink might have intoxicating effects that worsen concussion symptoms. Alcohol is also a toxin, which makes recovery more difficult while the brain is trying to heal. Alcohol can damage brain cells. The best course of action is to avoid drinking after a concussion completely.

Each traumatic brain injury is different. Some brain areas are hypoactive, and some are hyperactive when fNCI (advanced MRI) is used to examine patients’ brain activity. The exact combination determines a person’s symptoms and how they will respond to alcohol, in addition to factors like balance and blood flow to the liver. If your symptoms worsen while drinking, it is best to avoid alcohol completely.

Concussion with alcohol should generally be avoided; not only can alcohol delay recovery, but it can also make side effects much worse. Especially while your brain is recovering, the one or two drinks you would typically have throughout a night may be one or two too many. Your tolerance for alcohol may be lower, and you might be more sensitive to it after a concussion.

Alcohol can increase the risk of worsening side effects related to brain injury, like depression; it can also magnify cognitive problems such as problem-solving, concentration, memory, and learning. Lastly, it can affect mobility, speech, balance, and fatigue.

All of us know that alcohol temporarily alters the chemistry of our brains, causing us to feel relaxed, joyful, or depressed. Since alcohol is a poison, it may harm brain tissue. This indicates that even a modest alcohol intake can hurt us while the brain is mending, especially when combined with the problems resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Alcohol and Concussion Top FAQs

Can You Drink Alcohol With a Mild Concussion?

Drinking alcohol after mild concussion is generally not advised. After a concussion, drinking alcohol increases the chance of injury and slows healing, whether mild or severe. Alcohol and concussion may cause disorientation, slowness, or lack of coordination. When mixed with alcohol, which has comparable properties, stronger symptoms that could cause damage from a fall or accident can happen. A concussed person could suffer lasting brain damage from a second brain injury.

Alcohol Post Concussion

Using Alcohol and concussion affects patients differently. For some patients, how much alcohol they consume indicates how poorly they’ll feel. Others find all alcohol uncomfortable.

Several people have described the following responses to alcohol:

• Stimulation: These patients don’t feel tired after drinking; they feel alert and awake. After the effects of the drink wear off, they may or may not experience worse symptoms.
• Symptom Overdrive: Some patients have increased symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, overstimulation, sleep problems, mental confusion or fog, flushing, and extreme heat or cold sensations. Many people experience a temporary worsening of their concussion symptoms.
• Excessive Sleeping: Some patients sleep off the negative effects of alcohol consumption, so they don’t recognize how awful they feel. Up to 18 hours after drinking, some individuals have reported having episodes while sleeping.

Concussion and Alcoholism Treatment

We Level Up NJ provides a thorough treatment strategy for alcoholics taking concussions and alcohol, including evidence-based and cognitive behavioral therapy. Depending on how severely their alcohol addiction has affected them, some people with substance use disorders may be suitable for treatment at a specialized facility like ours.

We work with highly trained addiction specialists to provide clients with the motivation and tools to stop using alcohol and maintain long-term health and sobriety. We provide dual-diagnosis treatment programs for those with these illnesses and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Contact us now if you are struggling with concussion alcohol addiction to go over your treatment options and learn how we can support you as you start your recovery. We’ll be by your side throughout it all. To help you recover through our program for medically assisted detox, We Level Up NJ offers proper care with 24-hour medical staff. Call us to talk with one of our therapy experts and reclaim your life. Our counselors will respond to your queries since they understand your situation.