Drug use and abuse is a major public health problem that can lead to serious health consequences, criminal involvement, employment problems, strained relationships, homelessness, poor treatment compliance and outcomes, and lower quality of life. Drug treatment can be effective in community-based settings, but drug users tend to under-utilize these treatment options and instead seek services in emergency rooms (ER) and other acute care settings. These settings tend to be the most expensive and least effective way of addressing drug problems. Research on substance use disorders consistently shows that drug problems typically require treatment over the course of several months. Recent research also shows that drug-related ER usage is increasing, resulting in billions of dollars in costs to the public health care system. The costs are even higher when other drug-treatment services and criminal justice expenditures are considered. Research on the burden of alcohol and associated ER and acute care service use is well developed, but little is known about drug- related burden and associations. Increasing this body of research is necessary given recent evidence which suggests that the consequences of drug use on ER and primary care service settings may be greater than alcohol alone. This research is needed to help ensure adequate policies and funding mechanisms to treat these chronic conditions in community-based settings. This research can also contribute to the development of effective and efficient assessments and brief interventions appropriate for ER and acute care settings. Finally, identifying repeat ER and acute care service users, and describing their clinical and psychosocial profiles, can lead to targeted approaches for treatment persons who have the greatest impact on the health care system. Following the recommendations of leading experts, this study will use a population- based survey to help address the foregoing gaps in knowledge.
The specific aims of the study are to: 1) Examine patterns of drug use among persons who receive ER services and acute care services;2) estimate the attributable risk of ER care and acute care services associated with drug use;and 3) identify service utilization patterns and characteristics of drug-related repeat ER and acute care service users.
The purpose of this study is to determine the risk of emergency room use associated with major drugs of abuse. This study will also examine patterns of treatment following drug-related emergency room care. The results will help reveal the burden of drug use on the public system of care and suggest ways to more effectively structure treatment and policy.
| Vaughn, Michael G; Fu, Qiang; Perron, Brian E et al. (2012) Risk profiles among adolescent nonmedical opioid users in the United States. Addict Behav 37:974-7 |
| Ahmedani, Brian Kenneth; Perron, Brian; Ilgen, Mark et al. (2012) Suicide thoughts and attempts and psychiatric treatment utilization: informing prevention strategies. Psychiatr Serv 63:186-9 |
| Perron, Brian E; Ahmedani, Brian K; Vaughn, Michael G et al. (2012) Use of Salvia divinorum in a nationally representative sample. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 38:108-13 |
| Vaughn, Michael G; Shook, Jeffrey J; Perron, Brian E et al. (2011) Patterns and correlates of illicit drug selling among youth in the USA. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2:103-111 |
| Perron, Brian E; Bohnert, Amy S B; Monsell, Sarah E et al. (2011) Patterns and correlates of drug-related ED visits: results from a national survey. Am J Emerg Med 29:704-10 |
| Perron, Brian E; Grahovac, Ivana D; Uppal, Joseph S et al. (2011) Supporting Students in Recovery on College Campuses: Opportunities for Student Affairs Professionals. J Stud Aff Res Pract 48:47-64 |
| Vaughn, Michael G; Fu, Qiang; Beaver, Kevin M et al. (2011) Effects of childhood adversity on bullying and cruelty to animals in the United States: findings from a national sample. J Interpers Violence 26:3509-25 |
| Ilgen, Mark A; Roeder, Kathryn M; Webster, Linda et al. (2011) Measuring pain medication expectancies in adults treated for substance use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 115:51-6 |
| Perron, Brian E; Mowbray, Orion; Bier, Sarah et al. (2011) Service use and treatment barriers among inhalant users. J Psychoactive Drugs 43:69-75 |
| Ilgen, Mark A; Price, Amanda M; Burnett-Zeigler, Inger et al. (2011) Longitudinal predictors of addictions treatment utilization in treatment-naïve adults with alcohol use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 113:215-21 |
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