31 July 2019
Researchers:
Dr Lisa Schölin, Dr Sarah Rhynas, Professor Aisha Holloway, Dr Ruth Jepson, The University of Edinburgh
Key findings
- Understanding about the personal experience of living with alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) is poorly understood in the academic literature which can lead to a dual stigma of both alcohol and memory problems.
- Those living with ARBD can offer insights into their own experiences and service needs offering potential to develop more person-centred services and enhance care quality.
- Many people living with ARBD have complex social and family circumstances and benefit from the development of supportive relationships with key staff in order to thrive.
- ARBD requires a specific service response which includes a range of professionals and agencies providing coordinated support, tailored to individual needs.
- Staff need specific education and training in order to effectively support those who live with ARBD through effective communication, the development of supportive relationships and the provision of personalised care.
- Staff education offers an opportunity to highlight the potential for recovery in ARBD and ensure that health and social care professionals instigate effective support when individuals present to care services.
- Policy should take account of the experiences of those living with the effects of alcohol on the brain, ensuring that their voices are heard in the development of policy.
- Further research is required to explore the experience of living with ARBD and to guide development of effective, person-centred service responses.
