Model systems of treatment for alcohol abuse following traumatic brain injury

Less than 5 years ago, Rohe and DePompolo [1] published the results of an important survey, which focused on substance abuse policies among rehabilitation programmes. The authors surveyed 52 treatment programmes and obtained information regarding ongoing staff education, patient education and policies related to alcohol consumption. Less than one-third of programmes surveyed provided patient education and less than one-quarter of programmes provided staff education. Although 90% of respondents supported prohibition during hospitalization, one-half of those surveyed also routinely prescribed alcohol for patients in a variety of situations (e.g. appetite stimulation, relaxation, social facilitation). The authors concluded that consistent patient and staff education programmes were lacking and that few programmes had consistent or expressed policies regarding the use of alcohol and drugs.