Patterns of Alcohol Use after Traumatic Brain Injury

• Published in: Journal of neurotrauma Vol. 33; no. 14; p. 1390
• Main Authors: Pagulayan, Kathleen F, Temkin, Nancy R, Machamer, Joan E, Dikmen, Sureyya S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15-07-2016
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology; Brain Concussion - epidemiology; Brain Injuries, Traumatic - epidemiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors; Young Adult; alcohol; traumatic brain injury
• ISSN: 1557-9042
• DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4071

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.