State program adapts substance‑use treatment for people with acquired brain injury; ABI SUD team at capacity

Connecticut officials described a program that tailors substance‑use treatment for people with acquired brain injury (ABI), noting high demand and adaptations to conventional care.

Katie Daley, director for long‑term services and supports at Demus, said eligibility for DMIS ABI services requires a qualifying acquired brain injury and mental health services through the DMIS system. ‘‘Once someone is eligible, what are we offering? We offer consultation services throughout the state…we do have our specific ABI substance use services,’’ she said, and noted the ABI SUD program is provided through a contract with Rushford that began in 2010.

Daley outlined why standard SUD treatment can be less effective for people with ABI—common issues include impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and memory deficits that affect attendance and the ability to apply coping strategies—so the program offers individualized approaches, smaller or virtual groups, repetition and peer‑run supports. She described community integration specialists who coordinate referrals and supports and assist with applications to ABI waiver services.

Daley gave recent program data: last year the ABI program received 229 referrals and served 338 individuals across the state. The ABI SUD treatment team currently has three staff and is serving 60 people at capacity; this year they recorded 14 admissions and four discharges. She also provided current caseloads by staff: clinical supervisor Devin Bream (25 clients), clinician Destiny (20) and recovery support specialist Spencer (13).

Daley and council members said the program aims to expand in the future but noted staffing and resource limits. She encouraged providers and referral partners to use the single‑page referral form on the Demus website to connect clients to services.