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 m isuse in the spinal cord injury and general populations. Studies exami ning epidemiology indicate that while substance misuse often is presen t when spinal cord injuries occur, the exact prevalence of it in the S CI population has yet to be determined. The literature also suggests t hat risk factors unique to SCI predispose substance misuse in this pop ulation in addition to risk factors commonly present in the general po pulation. Articles examining issues relevant to substance misuse in SC I identify some concerns specific to this population. Although treatme nt outcome literature for substance misuse in SCI is scarce, it is cle ar that treatment facilities must be adapted to suit the needs of the spinal cord injured. However, it has yet to be determined how treatmen t content should differ.