ModuleDraft

Alcohol, cannabis, and stroke recovery — how to have a safe conversation

A harm-reduction, patient-friendly module to discuss alcohol/cannabis after stroke: safety, interactions (concept), falls risk, mood/sleep effects, and exact-copy questions for clinicians (no specific limits).

Secondary PreventionCaregiver, SurvivorIntermediate12 minStandard (9–12)

Educational only

Educational only — substance use decisions must be individualized; discuss with clinicians/pharmacists.

Get help now

Call emergency services for new stroke symptoms, severe confusion, fainting, or serious falls.

Key takeaways

  • Identify why alcohol/cannabis may affect recovery (falls, meds, mood)
  • Prepare a non-judgmental disclosure script for clinicians
  • Decide on a ‘pause or reduce’ plan while clarifying safety

Why it matters

  • Falls
  • Medication interactions
  • Blood pressure
  • Sleep/mood

Safer plan

  • Pause initially
  • Ask clinicians
  • Track effects

Scripts

  • Clinician conversation
  • Safety plan

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 2 answered

Question 1

1. Alcohol and cannabis can affect balance and may increase fall risk during recovery.

Question 2

2. A safer next step is to…

References

  1. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA 2024 Primary Prevention Guideline (lifestyle risk factor themes)
  2. Tier 1
    AHA/ASA 2021 Secondary Prevention Guideline (risk factor management themes)