Relationship between substance use and the onset of Spinal Cord Injuries: A medical chart review

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries (SCI), although known to have a long-term impact on the individual who sustains the injury, can have a more debilitating impact on an individual with a co-occurring substance use disorder. In fact, previous research has identified substance use as a primary risk factor of sustaining a SCI. Although the majority of SCI and substance misuse disorder research typically focuses on treatment of individual post-injury. It is unclear what form of substance an individual engages in prior to sustaining the SCI (i.e., cannabis, opioids, alcohol). This study reviewed 20 medical charts of individuals ages 18 and older who have sustained a SCI and received medical care at a level 1 trauma center in Indiana, United States. Results showed that SCI were sustained from the following: 45% fall, violence 25%, vehicular 25%, and other 5%. Data revealed an 80% positive toxicology or self-report of substance use immediately prior to the onset of the SCI. Males were positive for (or reported uses of) more than one substance at a rate of 25% at time of injury. The following substances were identified as used prior to injury and listed as most to least prevalent: opioids (37.5%), alcohol & marijuana (25%), methamphetamines & benzodiazepines (12.5%), and cocaine and synthetic cathinone (6.25%). Additionally, the rate of unemployment prior to injury was 80% for the total population sampled and 81.25% for individuals with positive substance use reported immediately prior to injury.