It's been 3 weeks since I've initially got a "minor" concussion and it's been causing me so much stress and anxiety that I need alcohol once in a while to cope with it. I've had some numerous times without anything bad happening at all, but I've been wondering... Other than it halting the healing process temporarily, Can something severe come out of this one day?

I don't think alchohol is a good solution for stress and anxiety as it doesn't promote anything to fix the stress or anxiety. I don't have the answers though, sorry. Maybe someone else can help. Best -

If you need alcohol to cope maybe you need to see a doctor.

Alcohol should be limited to a single serving per day. More than that will interrupt the healing process and possibly cause a reversal of the healing process. Plus, you do not want to fall or have any other mishap that will impact your head. A second concussion at this time can be dangerous.

What are the symptoms that are causing you the most anxiety?

Maybe we can help you deal with those so you can stay sober.


My best to you.

****, had no idea it could reverse the healing process... Thanks for letting me know, I might've ended up continuing my drinking habits without realizing how much it could've potentially prolong my healing period. I think I'll just limit it to once every two weeks.
Usually the thing that really makes me panic is occasionally feeling "spaced out", like I'm partially leaving my body and about to lose consciousness. It scares me because I'm not sure if it's just a passing feeling or if I'm actually going to faint and smash my head on the floor. If only I could get rid of this one single darn symptom this PCS would be 10x easier for me to tolerate...
edit: btw, when you say that alcohol could cause a reversal of the healing process, do you mean reverse it temporarily, or trigger an incessant reversal continuing even after the alcohol is out of the body, eventually leading to something severe?

It depends on the amount of alcohol you consume. Getting drunk while your brain is healing will at the least put you back in your healing, at worst, it is like suffering another concussion. A hangover is the reaction you brain has when it is struggling with all of the toxins left from the alcohol consumption. So, if you brain is already struggling to heal, polluting it with the toxins from alcohol will not be any good.

As I said, the research says to limit drinking to one serving per day. More than that and you are looking for more trouble.