Illegal Drug Use Among Emergency Department Patients
Saturday, April 18, 2015
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The use of illegal drugs is a major issue for health care providers around the world. Drug use has been associated with cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and a wide range of health related issues. Further, it is believed that current drug users underutilize preventative and regular medical care and over utilize hospital and emergency room care.
It is estimated that approximately 9.2% of the United States' population have used some form of illegal drugs within the past month. Within the health care system, it is estimated that over 6.5% of all patient attendances are either directly or indirectly related to illegal drug use. In 2011, over 5 million of the 125 million general ER visits can be considered drug related. These numbers have increased steadily and represent a 100% increase in relation to the 2004 numbers.
It is estimated that approximately 9.2% of the United States' population have used some form of illegal drugs within the past month. Within the health care system, it is estimated that over 6.5% of all patient attendances are either directly or indirectly related to illegal drug use. In 2011, over 5 million of the 125 million general ER visits can be considered drug related. These numbers have increased steadily and represent a 100% increase in relation to the 2004 numbers.
Of particular concern is the sharp increase in emergency department visits involving the nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals (Over the counter, prescription, and dietary supplements). Within the past ten years the amount of ER visits related to non-medical usage of pharmaceuticals increased by over 95%. The most commonly reported drugs involved were hydrocodone, alprazolam, and oxycodone. Each of those three drugs reported increases of over 100% in reported ER visits.
The only other "traditional illegal drug" to have increases in emergency room visits by over 100% is ecstasy. Which has seen a tremendous resurgence in both attributable ER visits and popular culture.
Another key driver of emergency room visits related to illegal drug use is the combination of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol combinations are most commonly linked with the non-medical pharmaceuticals listed earlier, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. In 2009, approximately 32% of all drug abuse ER visits involved the use of alcohol alone (considered an illegal drug in the case of minors) or in combination with another drug.
For health care providers it is important to understand the ramifications of drug abuse throughout the United States health care system. Further, it is important for health care providers to be knowledgeable in regards to the referral options and additional follow-up support options that are available within your organization and community in the event that a patient requests additional help in detoxification and helping with drug addiction. For many, emergency room visits present a valuable intervention point where the health care team can inform the patient about the risks associated with continuing drug abuse behaviors.
The only other "traditional illegal drug" to have increases in emergency room visits by over 100% is ecstasy. Which has seen a tremendous resurgence in both attributable ER visits and popular culture.
Another key driver of emergency room visits related to illegal drug use is the combination of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol combinations are most commonly linked with the non-medical pharmaceuticals listed earlier, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. In 2009, approximately 32% of all drug abuse ER visits involved the use of alcohol alone (considered an illegal drug in the case of minors) or in combination with another drug.
For health care providers it is important to understand the ramifications of drug abuse throughout the United States health care system. Further, it is important for health care providers to be knowledgeable in regards to the referral options and additional follow-up support options that are available within your organization and community in the event that a patient requests additional help in detoxification and helping with drug addiction. For many, emergency room visits present a valuable intervention point where the health care team can inform the patient about the risks associated with continuing drug abuse behaviors.
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