Screening and Brief Intervention for Substance Misuse Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Brief Intervention for Substance Misuse Following Moderate or Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is investigating one way to improve health and healthy habits after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary goal of this study is to determine if a brief intervention accommodated for persons with moderate or severe TBI is effective in reducing alcohol misuse during the year following injury. It is hypothesized that an adapted Screening, Education and Brief Intervention (adapted SBI) will reduce the number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week over the year following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, in comparison to a Screening and Education Attention Control condition (SEA control).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sustained a TBI, defined as damage to brain tissue caused by external force and evidenced by loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, skull fracture, or objective neurological findings
• History of alcohol misuse within the year prior to injury
• Be at least 18 years old
• English-speaking
• Have cleared post-traumatic amnesia
• Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Language impairments that would preclude participation in interview
• Has not cleared post-traumatic amnesia before discharge