Association between intoxication with psychoactive substances and adverse effects occurrence in consumers

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Global rise in psychoactive substance use necessitates understanding intoxication's adverse effects.
• Identifying organ-specific impacts of intoxication is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between psychoactive substance intoxication and adverse effects on bodily organ function.
• To compare the organ dysfunction profiles of alcohol, opioid, and stimulant intoxication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 800 hospitalized patients (ICU and general ward) with psychoactive substance intoxication.
• Inclusion criteria: intoxication with alcohol, opioids, or stimulants; available laboratory biomarkers.
• Statistical analysis using a generalized linear mixed model to estimate Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR).

Main Results:

• Opioid/stimulant intoxication showed lower rates of liver and kidney dysfunction compared to alcohol intoxication.
• Cardiovascular dysfunction was significantly higher in patients intoxicated with opioids or stimulants versus alcohol.
• Kidney dysfunction demonstrated a greater impact on mortality.

Conclusions:

• Opioid and stimulant intoxication are associated with increased cardiovascular risks, while alcohol intoxication presents different organ dysfunction patterns.
• Increased incidence of dysfunctions observed during follow-up for opioid/stimulant intoxication.
• While men experienced more organ dysfunction and mortality, prior psychoactive substance experience appeared protective against cardiovascular issues and death.