Work

Patterns of Alcohol Use after Traumatic Brain Injury

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Alcohol misuse and traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently co-occur. The negative consequences of this interaction are well documented, but the patterns of long-term post-injury alcohol consumption are less clear. This study examined patterns of alcohol use among 170 adults with a history of complicated mild to severe TBI. Participants were recruited from a Level 1 Trauma Center at the time of their injury and completed evaluations at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 3-5 years post-injury. Pre-injury alcohol use was also assessed at the time of the 1-month assessment. A modified Quantity-Frequency Index of alcohol consumption was then calculated for each time point. The results revealed high levels of pre-injury alcohol consumption, followed by a reduction in consumption at 1-month post-injury. A significant increase in consumption was noted by 6 months post-injury, followed by more gradual increases in alcohol consumption at 1 year. Post-injury alcohol consumption was comparable to the general public at 6 months, 12 months, and 3-5 years post-injury. These results suggest that the first 6 months post-injury may be the critical window of opportunity for alcohol intervention.

Source: Journal of Neurotrauma

DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4071

Authors: Kathleen F. Pagulayan, Nancy R. Temkin, Joan E. Machamer, Sureyya S. Dikmen

Institutions: University of Washington, VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Language: English

Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green