Brain Injury, Addiction, and Overdose Risk: Why Testing and Awareness Matter
When someone experiences a traumatic or acquired brain injury (TBI or ABI), the effects often go far beyond physical healing. Recent research shows that individuals with brain injuries face a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders—and of experiencing overdose (Martin et al., 2024).
This relationship runs both ways: people with opioid use disorder are more likely to sustain brain injuries through falls, accidents, or oxygen deprivation during an overdose. Yet despite this strong connection, brain injury often goes undiagnosed and untreated—especially among those already struggling with addiction.
At Recovery and Wellness Services, we see this overlap often. Many clients enter recovery unaware that cognitive or behavioral changes from a past head injury may be shaping their current challenges. Our team includes specialists trained in brain injury screening and diagnosis, helping families uncover and address the root causes of relapse, impulsivity, or treatment resistance.
The Hidden Epidemic of Brain Injury
The research commentary by Martin and colleagues (2024) calls this connection a “hidden epidemic.” The vast majority of people with mild or moderate brain injuries never receive formal evaluation or follow-up care.
Without screening, these injuries can go unnoticed for years—manifesting instead as poor concentration, mood swings, impulsivity, or problems with memory and planning. When combined with the effects of trauma or addiction, these symptoms can easily be mistaken for purely behavioral issues.
At Recovery and Wellness Services, we’ve integrated this understanding into our approach. Our team collaborates with neuropharmacologists, psychiatrists, and recovery coaches to ensure clients receive appropriate testing and individualized recovery plans that reflect both mental health and neurocognitive needs.
The Bidirectional Link Between Brain Injury and Overdose
Brain injuries increase vulnerability to opioid misuse—often because of pain, sleep problems, or emotional dysregulation after trauma. Meanwhile, opioid misuse increases the likelihood of new injuries through falls, vehicle accidents, or oxygen deprivation during overdose (Martin et al., 2024).
The result is a dangerous cycle:
Brain injury → higher risk of opioid use → greater overdose risk
Overdose → potential for acquired brain injury (ABI) from lack of oxygen or infection
Over time, this cycle can lead to lasting neurocognitive changes similar to Alzheimer’s disease (Martin et al., 2024).
At Recovery and Wellness Services, our clinicians and recovery coaches are trained to spot early signs of brain injury in clients recovering from overdose or long-term substance use. When appropriate, we refer for neurocognitive testing to assess memory, attention, and executive function—helping clients and families understand what’s really driving behavior.
Building an Integrated Approach
Effective recovery for people with both brain injury and substance use challenges requires integration—not separation—of services. At Recovery and Wellness Services, our multidisciplinary approach includes:
Comprehensive screening for TBI and ABI histories,
Referrals for neuropsychological testing and brain imaging when indicated,
Specialized coaching and case management for clients with cognitive impairments,
Education for families about realistic expectations and communication strategies,
Collaboration with medical and mental health providers to coordinate care.
This holistic approach allows clients to heal not only from addiction, but also from the underlying neurological factors that may have contributed to it.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between brain injury, addiction, and overdose is complex—and too often overlooked. At Recovery and Wellness Services, we’re committed to bridging this gap. Our specialists understand how brain injuries affect thinking, behavior, and recovery—and we help families navigate both diagnosis and treatment planning with compassion and clarity.
If your loved one has experienced repeated overdoses, falls, or unexplained cognitive changes, a brain injury evaluation may be the missing link in their recovery journey.
Contact Recovery and Wellness Services to learn more about our integrated approach to recovery, brain injury assessment, and long-term healing.
Reference
Martin, S. I., Bennett, A. S., Elliott, L., & Gorgens, K. A. (2024). Overdose risk and brain injury (traumatic brain injury/acquired brain injury): A commentary. Substance Use & Misuse, 59(11), 1656–1659. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2359722
