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Changes in the pattern of drug overdoses

M D Stein¹, J Bonanno, P S O'Sullivan

¹Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.

Journal of General Internal Medicine

|April 1, 1993

Summary

Drug overdose hospitalizations show evolving patterns, with shifts in demographics and substances used over two decades. While mortality remains low, treatment approaches and patient profiles have changed significantly.

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Area of Science:

Public Health
Clinical Toxicology
Epidemiology

Background:

Drug overdose hospitalizations represent a significant public health concern.
Understanding temporal trends in patient demographics and substance use is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe changes in the pattern of patients hospitalized for drug overdoses over a 20-year period.
To analyze shifts in patient demographics, substances involved, and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

Retrospective data review of adult patients admitted for drug overdoses.
Data collected from a university-affiliated hospital for the years 1968, 1979, and 1989.
Analysis focused on changes in demographics, drugs used, and discharge disposition.

Main Results:

A decreasing proportion of female patients admitted for drug overdoses over time (76% in 1968 to 52% in 1989).
Benzodiazepines and cocaine emerged as prevalent drugs, while barbiturate use declined; polysubstance and alcohol co-use remained consistent.
Mean length of hospital stay decreased significantly, with a shift in discharge disposition towards inpatient psychiatric care.

Conclusions:

Most drug overdose patients have a history of suicide attempts and receive mental health care.
Changing drug use patterns in overdoses mirror broader community and mental illness trends.
Discharge disposition is influenced by patient insurance status, highlighting socioeconomic factors in treatment access.

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