Motivational interviewing to prevent alcohol abuse after traumatic brain injury: A case series

Objective: Our goal was to test motivational interviewing as a means of preventing return to alcohol abuse after traumatic brain injury.: Participants: Twelve of 15 inpatients (80%) who screened positive for alcoholism were approached about the study. Historical controls were 20 similar but untreated patients with follow-up data. Results: One-year outcome data were obtained on 9 participants (75%). Seventy-six percent were male and an average of 35 years old. Eighty-nine percent of participants and 55% of controls reported drinking no alcohol during atypical week at 1 year after discharge. Conclusion: Motivational interviewing is feasible during inpatient rehabilitation and may reduce drinking after traumatic brain injury. Controlled studies are needed.