The Mental Welfare Commission have published a new guide aimed at helping professionals treat and care for people with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), when there are changes to the structure and functions of the brain as a result of long term heavy alcohol use. It can result in problems with memory, judgement, and a person’s ability to live independently.
Alcohol-related brain damage is often not recognised, and is under diagnosed. Patients can be stigmatised, with a perception that they are difficult to help, and a feeling in some cases that their problems are self-inflicted.
A further difficulty for medical staff, social workers and addiction workers can be balancing the rights of individuals to live as they choose, with their rights to get help that could improve their quality of life.
The report can be read through this link.
