my son had a head injury 25 years ago .. has struggled since with work, relationships , mental health issues though outwardly to the world seems unaffected.
In the early years alcohol was an escape route for him and he lost many friends and got himself in difficult situations … because he said outrageous things .. very rude , swearing , insulting . Quite out of character compared to how he was when sober. I know when in hospital after the accident I heard that this disinhibition was common after a head injury.
It’s happened again recently…
is it possible that the drinking exacerbates the part of his brain that comes out with these outbursts.., ? Wha is disturbing is he never remembers what he’s said . Anyone else experience this?
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Mummily
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I am guessing that if he has mental health issues, doctors have him on meds. If so, that could be the problem. They affect an injured brain much more strongly then other people. I took medication, and every time I had some, I felt like I was drinking a shot. It made me more confused, angrier, and more upset. You may want to wean him off, if he takes any.
I was always a stress-head, and I do sometimes lament the few hours of peace (and silliness) which once came from a few drinks.
At weekends I'd have 3 or 4 Jack Daniels, never with any ill-effects. But since my Bi, alcohol no longer creates calm and optimism ; quite the reverse.
One drink at a neighbour's barbeque and I passed on out my stairs for several hours. Another time I had one small sherry when delivering Xmas presents to my brother's home and was seriously incapacitated.
Everyone on our 4 bed rehab ward was warned of the damaging effects of alcohol on an injured brain ; we were strongly advised against it to prevent further physiological and social issues. And, of course, for those taking medication there are additional complications.
Disinhibition is a classic symptom of both brain injury and of alcohol use, so maybe download information on alcohol after brain injury from Headway, or you can send for hard copies by phoning them on 0808 800 2244....
Wishing you and your son better times ahead. Cat x
Yes, it sounds as if the alcohol is exacerbating the problem. Disinhibition can occur with frontal lobe brain injuries and alcohol will make it worse, alcohol is rather disinhibiting by itself. I hope things go better for him.
as a parent I guess its harder than the patient if that makes sense, i had a stroke 14 years ago I drink usually every sunday listening to live music, the problem you have is maybe he needs time away possibly book a taxi for his return journey and leave him return on his own to his home and bed and over time the anxiety both of you feel will subside, suggest limiting the alcohol, im no expert but it works for me
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