Alcohol and drug abuse in patients with physical disabilities

Alcohol and other drugs of abuse (AODA) are of great medical and social concern. Patients with physical injury requiring rehabilitation may be at particular risk of AODA due to pain, physical handicaps, mood disturbances, vocational difficulties, and problems of self-image. Their access to AODA, however, is often temporarily or permanently limited. In this literature review, we have explored various aspects of AODA in physically disabled patients. Frequently, AODA are involved in the cause of physical injuries. The average use and abuse of alcohol prior to injury was high. Postinjury alcohol use and abuse frequently declined or remained unchanged. Some non-alcohol drug use and problems increased postinjury, particularly during initial periods. Postinjury abuse of AODA is particularly important with regard to the disruption of the rehabilitation process. Use of adequate control groups and analysis at multiple postinjury time points is recommended in future investigations.