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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methamphetamine-related emergency department utilization and cost
Robert G Hendrickson1, Robert Cloutier, K John McConnell
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Center for Policy Research in Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA. hendriro@ohsu.edu
Summary
Methamphetamine use drives a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits, costing millions annually. These visits are primarily linked to mental health issues, trauma, and skin and dental problems.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) encounter patients with diverse health concerns.
- Understanding the specific impact of methamphetamine use on ED utilization is crucial for resource allocation and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the frequency, associated costs, and patient characteristics of emergency department (ED) visits related to methamphetamine use.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving a training program for ED clinicians on methamphetamine effects.
- A standardized two-question survey on methamphetamine use was administered to patients, integrated into the ED tracking system.
- Survey data was merged with administrative data, and univariate analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Over 20 weeks, 353 methamphetamine-related ED visits occurred (2.4% of total visits), averaging 17.65 per week.
- Annual hospital charges for these visits were estimated at $6.9 million.
- Methamphetamine-related ED patients were more likely to be male, white, and uninsured, with common diagnoses including mental health (18.7%), trauma (18.4%), skin infections (11.1%), and dental issues (9.6%).
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine abuse represents a substantial contributor to ED utilization and associated healthcare costs.
- The primary reasons for ED visits linked to methamphetamine use involve mental illness, trauma, and skin and dental conditions.
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