Substance abusers more likely to need ICUs

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by Change | 5 Dec 2008

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Substance abusers are twice as likely to need serious medical care than the average person, a US study reveals.

Those who engage in alcohol or drug abuse are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units (ICU), research suggests.

A study produced by LDS Hospital and Brigham Young University (BYU), in the US, suggests engaging in substance abuse doubles the chances of needing medical attention.

Examining admissions in Utah's Salt Lake City, the researchers found 19 per cent of those entering the ICU had a history of drug or alcohol abuse, compared to the average of the public, which stands at 9.5 per cent.

They were also on average six years younger than the typical patients receiving this form of care, the study finds.

Ramona Hopkins, a psychology professor at the BYU and a researcher at the Intermountain Medical Centre and LDS Hospital, states substance abuse increases the risks of harm people are exposed to.

She says: "It appears that patients with drug or alcohol dependence are at higher risk for intensive care unit admission compared to the general population, which would increase overall medical costs."

Each year, alcohol abuse costs the National Health Service approximately £2.7 billion.

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