Trauma in patients influenced by drugs and alcohol

To examine the relationship of drugs, alcohol, and trauma, we conducted a retrospective study of 66,099 patients seen in the emergency department at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center from August 1975 to July 1978. Of 646 patients found to have acute drug intoxication, 33 (5.1%) had sustained traumatic injury. Examination of blood, urine, and gastric specimens revealed only alcohol present in 17 (49%) of these patients. No specific pattern of drug ingestion or injury was seen in the remaining patients. While no generalizations can be made regarding prevention, the data may sensitize the clinician to the complex interrelationship of drugs, alcohol, and trauma.