Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera (UVic) and Cole Kennedy, PhD Student (UVic) address the ongoing toxic drug crisis as a hidden epidemic: brain injuries resulting from overdoses in this article.
Survivors of these overdoses often suffer from acquired brain injuries (ABI), leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Despite the prevalence, these injuries remain under-recognized and inadequately treated, leaving many without the necessary support and rehabilitation.
These researchers emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the complex needs of these individuals, highlighting the importance of increased awareness, early intervention, and integrated care to improve outcomes for survivors. Recognizing and treating brain injuries in the context of the drug crisis is crucial to addressing this pressing public health issue.
Dr. Garcia-Barrera and Cole Kennedy are leading the research for the BC Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions.
Research Paper:
Kennedy, C.J., Woodin, E., Schmidt, J., Biagioni, J.B., & Garcia-Barrera, M.A. (2024). Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions: A Stakeholder-Driven Priority-Setting Study. Health Expectations, 27, e14136. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14136
