Substance abuse is risk factor for brain injury

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV), a local non-profit organization, developed and released a video focusing on the dangers of substance abuse and brain injury.  The video was produced as a result of a grant awarded by the Commonwealth Neurotruama Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund, and is administered in cooperation with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

DARS Commissioner Kathryn Hayfield commented that, “DARS is pleased to partner with Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley and supports its success in building an effective program targeted at local community needs, including the relationship between substance use and brain injury.”     

According to a recent BrainLine article, “Substance abuse is a risk factor for having a traumatic brain injury and traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for developing a substance abuse problem.” The development of the video is to primarily target high school age youth and educate them on substance abuse and brain injury. Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley welcomes partnerships with others in the community to show the video to a wide audience.

“Family and friends should be alert to the potential reasons for substance abuse, the warning signs, and possible behaviors that can develop. Anyone with a brain injury needs education about substance use, regardless of age. We are pleased to show the video in the lobby at the Valley Community Services Board (Valley CSB) to provide education, support and referral to help the person minimize long-term effects,” stated Robert Tucker, Assistant Behavioral Health Director at Valley Community Services Board (Valley CSB).

“Substance abuse can often lead to brain injury, and in turn, brain injuries can be isolating so they often lead to substance abuse. Studies show that any use of alcohol and other drugs by a person with a brain injury can slow recovery time, worsen symptoms, interact with prescribed medications, or even increase the possibility of seizures,” stated Rebekah Brubaker, LPC, Director of Adult Behavioral Health Services, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board (H/R CSB).

Tamara Wagester, Executive Director for Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, stated, “Some studies of persons with traumatic brain injury indicate that alcohol and substance use gets worse in the period 2 to 5 years after the injury. We are excited to release this video as an educational resource that has a broad scope and appeal. If we can help one person understand the possible drastic consequences of substance use and brain injury, we have helped the community. 

To view the video please visit the resources section on their website: http://www.bicsv.org/video-resources/. You can also contact Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley if you are interested in using the video as part of your educational efforts at 540-568-8923.

About Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc.

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc. was founded in 2005 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Brain Injury Connections combines public funds administered through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, as well as private resources to provide specialized services for people affected by brain injury in the Shenandoah Valley. Services are designed to meet the needs of the individuals we serve to maximize the person’s independence in the community.

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley provides community-based services for individuals affected by brain injury in the Shenandoah Valley. Services may include:

• Case Management
• Community Support Services (Life Skills Training)
• Behavior Support Facilitation
• Education, Outreach & Advocacy
• Support Groups

Our primary service is brain injury case management. Case Managers connect clients with an array of services to meet their clients’ needs including assistance with education, daily living and personal care, and many others.

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley will be hosting family focused support groups twice a year, and monthly hosts sport groups for individuals.  Please contact BICSV at 540-568-8923 if you have questions. We are committed to serving those with the greatest need and least resources; therefore, we do not charge a fee for services. 

About the CNI

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to improving the treatment and care of Virginians with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Through the establishment of the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund, administered by a governor-appointed advisory board, funds are available to Virginia-based organizations, institutions and researchers to address the needs of people with acquired neurotrauma. The Trust Fund Advisory Board disburses CNI funds through a competitive grant application process for research proposals and innovative community-based rehabilitation programs.  https://www.vacni.org/