Drug overdose emergency room admissions

The incidence and patterns of drug overdose admissions to the University of Michigan Medical Center Emergency Suite were studied for the first 3 months of each year from 1956 to 1970. Among variables investigated with regard to age, sex, and time comparisons were types of drugs used, purpose of ingestions, medical condition on arrival, disposition after emergency care, and history of treatment for emotional problems. The continuing escalation in drug overdose emergencies, primarily related to intentional self-poisoning, reflects the growing social health problems of drug use proliferation and rise in suicide attempts over the past two decades. Emergency room resources are being increasingly taxed by the psychological and medical care needs of these cases. Renewed effort toward primary prevention is essential.