Substance misuse in individuals with spinal cord injury

The literature addressing substance misuse in spinal cord injury (SCI) is reviewed with special attention paid to differences in substance misuse in the spinal cord injury and general populations. Studies examining epidemiology indicate that while substance misuse often is present when spinal cord injuries occur, the exact prevalence of it in the SCI population has yet to be determined. The literature also suggests that risk factors unique to SCI predispose substance misuse in this population in addition to risk factors commonly present in the general population. Articles examining issues relevant to substance misuse in SCI identify some concerns specific to this population. Although treatment outcome literature for substance misuse in SCI is scarce, it is clear that treatment facilities must be adapted to suit the needs of the spinal cord injured. However, it has yet to be determined how treatment content should differ.