Substance Abuse as a Contributing Factor to Violence-induced Injuries and Long-Term Outcomes
Violence-induced brain injuries constitute approximately one-fifth of the total number of brain injuries incurred each year. At least half of these incidents involved alcohol or other drugs. While there appears to be a relationship between substance abuse and violence-induced injuries, the implications of this relationship on treatment interventions, rehabilitation costs, and long-term outcomes are unclear. The purpose of the current study was to determine the nature of this relationship and to determine how this relationship may effect long-term outcomes. It was the premise of the current authors that substance abuse, rather than the violent nature of the injury, has a stronger association with long-term outcomes.