Brain Injury and The Opioid Epidemic

Despite efforts to curtail illicit opioid use and distribution, America’s opioid epidemic continues to increase at a rapid pace. While awareness has increased throughout the country and overdose-reversal drugs are available (like Nalaxone or Narcan), the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is extremely concerned about the link between opioid overdose and brain injury.

Opioids are a public health crisis that must be stopped, but for those with brain injury, or those who sustain a brain injury by way of an opioid overdose, parallel treatment is the only option.

Information & Resources

1. THE Challenge! Article: The Solution to Opioids is Treatment
2. BIAA’s Latest News: Opioid Overdose Increase Continues Nationwide
3. Ohio Valley Center for Brain Injury and Prevention: Substance use after TBI
4. CDC: Step-by-Step Guide to Screen for Addiction & Alcohol Abuse
5. Non-Lethal Opioid Overdose & Acquired Brain Injury