Posted by Diana Moon, DCoE Public Affairs
on February 5, 2013
U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Tina Staffieri
For many, drinking in moderation doesn’t pose a problem. But for those with traumatic brain injury (TBI), using drugs or alcohol to cope can be dangerous. Providers need to be aware that failure to treat substance abuse problems following TBI may be counterproductive to a successful recovery, and lead to added medical, psychiatric or behavioral problems, unemployment and family troubles for patients.
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) addressed these concerns during the January webinar, “Substance Abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury: Magnitude, Manifestations, Myths and Management.” Dr. Charles H. Bombardier, professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discussed key messages for health professionals to consider when working with patients with both substance abuse and TBI, which included: