Acquired Brain Injury and Substance Use Health

  • Treatment
  • Drug Overdose
  • Stigma
  • Substance Use Disorders
A person speaking with a healthcare provider.

Read this evidence brief

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About this evidence brief

Explains what acquired brain injury (ABI) is, its intersection with substance use health, and how healthcare systems and providers can offer more effective treatment through greater understanding of concurrent conditions and person-centred care.

Three Key Points of Interest You Will Find in the Document:

  • Anoxic brain injury, a specific type of ABI that happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen, is often not detected after a non-fatal overdose.
  • ABI can impact memory, impulse control, and emotional regulation, making everyday activities, including following treatment plans, challenging.
  • Health systems and service providers must better recognize the overlapping nature of ABI and substance use health and provide more accessible care for these often concurrent conditions.
     

Related Authors

Kim Corace, PhD, C.Psych.

Chief Science and Innovation Officer

Area of Expertise

  • Harm Reduction
  • Mental Health
  • Treatment
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Opioid Agonist Therapy
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Integrated Mental Health, Substance Use and Concurrent Disorder Service Delivery
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