What impact does acquired brain impairment through alcohol and other substance use have on the community?

It is difficult to estimate the true extent of the impact of alcohol and substance related brain impairment has on the community as the prevalence of this condition remains difficult to estimate. Apart from the direct health costs, and costs of providing residential and in-home support for people with complex care needs, there are significant opportunity costs in terms of peoples occupations, relationships and quality of life. As alcohol and substance related brain impairment often involves deficits in awareness or insight, the impact of the condition can be felt most severely by the family and friends of the affected person.