Substance use by persons with recent spinal cord injuries.

Obtained substance use histories from 103 persons (aged 16–63 yrs) with recent spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Lifetime exposure to and recent use of several substances with abuse potential were greater than for a like-age national sample. Intoxication at time of injury was reported by 39%. The rate of exposure to and recent use of substances with abuse potential was significantly greater for Ss who reported intoxication at injury. Intoxication at SCI onset is a marker of preinjury substance use. It is important to screen for substance abuse in persons who incur traumatic injury. Timely assessment of and intervention for substance abuse could help enhance psychosocial and vocational outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)