Alcohol-Related Brain Injury - Behaviour
Alcohol related brain injury affects the way people think, feel and behave. People living with alcohol related brain injury often exhibit challenging or difficult behaviour. This can be the result of medical, cognitive, psychological or environmental causes or simply the frustration of coping with everyday life.
Common types of behaviour
Carers, family and friends of people with alcohol related brain injury can find themselves faced with a range of behaviours that cause problems. Some common behaviours include:
- Aggressive and angry outbursts
- Moodiness
- Confusion
- Withdrawal
- Lack of motivation
- Untidiness and poor hygiene habits
- Sexually inappropriate behaviour
- Refusal to shower or dress
- Poor control of emotions, for example excessive tearfulness.
Causes of challenging behaviour
There are a number of possible causes or reasons why people with alcohol related brain injury may exhibit these types of behaviour. It could be related to a medical problem, their cognitive disability, physical discomfort, adverse effects of medication or fatigue from lack of sleep. Alternatively, problem behaviour may be a reaction to stress, anxiety or a change or upset to daily routine.
Dealing with challenging behaviour
There are two key things to keep in mind when trying to deal with challenging behaviour: ignore problem behaviour (where possible) and reward appropriate behaviour immediately. Other helpful strategies include: