HISTORY OF HEAD INJURY AMONG SUBSTANCE USERS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury is associated with a variety of problems in cognitive functioning that may be related to substance use and that may influence recovery. This pilot study of 591 inmates in medium and minimum-security prisons examined self-reports of head injury, mental health problems, and health service utilization in three groups: no head injury, one head injury, and two or more head injuries. The group with multiple head injuries reported significantly more emergency room visits, more hospital admission, and number of hospital stays when compared with those with no head injury. This preliminary analysis reflects a need for additional research on brain injury among substance misusers. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]

• Head injury
• Service utilization
• Incarcerated males
• Drug abuse