Prevalence of drinking within low-risk guidelines during the first 2 years after inpatient rehabilitation for moderate or severe traumatic brain injury

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J87424

Journal:

American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , 100, 8, 815-819

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated the prevalence of drinking within the recommended limits (i.e., low-risk drinking) after moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines define low-risk drinking as no more than 4 drinks per day for men or 3 drinks per day for women and no more than 14 drinks per week for men or no more than 7 drinks per week for women. Data were analyzed for 6,348 adults with moderate or severe TBI who received inpatient rehabilitation at a civilian TBI Model Systems center and answered questions about their alcohol consumption preinjury and at 1 and 2 years postinjury. Low-risk drinking was common both before and after TBI, with more than 30 percent drinking in the low-risk level preinjury and more than 25 percent at 1 and 2 years postinjury. Results suggest that postinjury, most drinkers consumed alcohol in the low-risk level regardless of preinjury drinking level. Definitive research is needed on the long-term outcomes of low-risk alcohol consumption after more severe TBI.

Author(s):