Brain injury is a frequent but often under-recognized condition that commonly co-occurs with substance abuse and can create significant barriers for individuals on their path to recovery if left unaddressed. Traditional treatment approaches do not always adequately meet an individual with brain injury’s needs on their own. Individuals who have acquired a brain injury or permanent cognitive impairment as a result of one or more opioid overdoses require different clinical approaches and interventions to best support them in reaching their treatment goals while decreasing their risk for future overdose. Research shows that such adaptations and accommodations will increase the likelihood of successful recovery from opioid use disorder.
This online Resource Tool Kit is being provided as part of a partnership with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), initiated in 2019 to provide training on brain injury to addictions providers. These resources are being provided here to assist professionals and others to improve services to those seeking to recover from opioid use disorder and other addictions. These resources will be regularly updated. If you are seeking further assistance, please contact the BIANYS Family Helpline at 518-459-7911 or 1-800-444-6443.
RESOURCE MATERIALS
HELPS Screening Tool (see pages 5-6)
TIP 29: Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Physical and Cognitive Disabilities
Screening for Traumatic Brain Injury: Findings and Public Health Implications. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD, Joshua B. Cantor, PhD, Margaret Brown, PhD, Marcel P. Dijkers, PhD, Lisa A. Spielman, PhD, and Wayne A. Gordon, PhD
Screening Substance Abuse Treatment Clients for Traumatic Brain Injury: Prevalence and Characteristics (2007) Robert Walker; Jennifer Cole; T Logan; John Corrigan Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. 22(6):360–367
“Roads to Recovery: Overdose and Brain Injury” PBS Documentary examining acquired brain injury resulting from opioid overdose.
“Connecting People with Disabilities and Opioid Use Disorder to Technology-Based Peer Support”
Peer Support for People with Substance Use Disorder
Information for persons with TBI and their families about alcohol or drug use after TBI. Ohio State University – Neurological Institute.
Substance Abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury
FACT SHEETS
Brain Injury & Opioid Overdose Fact Sheet – National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
Opioid Use Disorder and People with Disabilities – Medication Treatment
Opioids and Brain Injury Facts For Public Health & Substance Abuse Professionals – Maryland Department of Health
TRAINING
Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury Online Training
TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Blaisdell Addiction Treatment Center (ATC)
Step One at the Northeast Center for Special Care
Abilities First Outpatient Recovery Services (AFORS)
Rochester Regional Health Outpatient Services
ORGANIZATIONS