Substance abuse and the emergency room: programmatic implications

A literature review (1984 to 1995) was conducted to identify cost effective policy implications regarding substance use in the emergency room (ER) and trauma unit. Prevalence rates, ranging from 9% to 47%, vary according to where, when and who is tested. Other drugs, most commonly marijuana, benzodiazepines and cocaine, follow a similar pattern to alcohol. The optimal method of measuring substance use depends on the goal of the assessment and a combination of clinical, self-report and biochemical markers is recommended. Simple screening questions such as the TWEAK or AUDIT should be routinely used with all attendants and further assessment provided only when high risk factors have been identified. These include: males, younger patients, metropolitan centres, after midnight and on weekends, injury from violence, accidents including MVAs, high acuity and psychiatric morbidity. Further, this screening should be complimented by an intervention, referral and treatment resource for those in need.