Meth Injuries: Statistics from a level I trauma center

In a report published by the Journal of Trauma that compares meth related injuries to injuries related to other illicit drugs – meth came out the clear “winner”.

Meth’s impact on a level I trauma center.
Study done by: Division of Trauma, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (METH) use is associated with high-risk behavior and serious injury. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of METH use in trauma patients on a Level I trauma center to guide prevention efforts.

METHODS: A retrospective registry-based review of 4,932 consecutive trauma patients who underwent toxicology screening at our center during a 3-year period (2003-2005). This sample represented 76% of all trauma patients seen during this interval.

RESULTS: From the first half of 2003 to the second half of 2005, overall use of Meth increased 70%, surpassing marijuana as the most common illicit drug used by the trauma population. Other illicit drug use did not significantly change during this interval.

Meth positive patients were more likely to have a violent mechanism of injury
(47.3% vs. 26.3%)

  • 33% more assaults (p < 0.01)
  • 96% more gunshot wounds (p < 0.001)
  • 158% more stab wounds (p < 0.001)

    • Meth positive patients were more likely to have attempted suicide
    (4.8% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.01)
    Meth positive patients were more likely to have had an altercation with law enforcement
    (1.8% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001)
    Meth positive patients were more likely have been the victim of domestic violence
    (4.4% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001)

    Meth users had a higher mean Injury Severity Score
    (11.2 vs. 10.0, p < 0.01)

  • Meth users were 62% more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001)
  • Meth users were 53% more likely to undergo an operation (p < 0.001)
  • Meth users were more prone to leave against medical advice (4.9% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001)
  • Meth users were 113% more likely to die from their injuries (6.4% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001)

    • The average cost of care per METH user was 9% higher than that for nonusers, and METH users were more likely to be unfunded than nonusers (47.6% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001). The annual uncompensated cost of care of METH users increased 70% during the study period to $1,477,108 in 2005.

    CONCLUSION: METH use in trauma patients increased significantly and was associated with adverse outcomes and a significant financial burden on our trauma center. Evidence-based prevention efforts must be a priority for trauma centers to help stop the scourge of METH.

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    • Richdinah

      I just lost my son to suicide on meth. He was a beautiful human being in pain and like so many of us he succumbed to drug use when in conflict. He was not having fun. The meth only served to make him feel more helpless which led to depression or I believe clinical depression. He did a Russian Roulette ( 1 bullet in the gun ) I don’t even think he knew what he was doing. No suicide note. He had no fear, by his own nature. I think he thought he was bullet proof.
      When will there be real help for people like my son? I hate to think that a society that punishes its troubled citizens instead of helping them is the reality we live in today, but it is. We want to blame the troubled individual instead of the greedy dealers who care about nothing else but the money in their pockets no matter how much grief they create.
      When will we start to look at drug addiction as a disease? That these people are actually crying out for help in a cruel world where no one teaches you how to live.
      Everyone is so caught up in how they’re going to survive let alone LIVE that we don’t have room for the compassion to help those in need. The Almighty Dollar is more important! The Greedy’s pockets are more important! When will each individuals well being be more important?
      God help us all.

    • Janet_nolene

      I am so sorry for your loss. i know the pain you are feeling inside. I lost my mother to suicide and my sister to suicide as well. I am a 45 yr. old meth addict. I Started using at 15. I have tried several times to get clean, now after so many years of using. My body does not produce natural energy anymore. And the depression and inability to function at all almost drives me to suicide. I literally sleep for weeks at a time and cant even get up to bathe of feed my little dogs. Its gross and id rather do 10 dollars worth of meth every other day and keep my will to live, rather than try to quit again and end up killing myself. I know this is not what one would recommend, but for me, right now, Its my only option, because i know i will successfully commit suicide before i am able to successfully kick meth. its sad because there is treatment available for other addictions, like antibuse for alcolhol addiction and methadone for opiate addiction, but theres nothing out there to help with meth addicion, and its most volitile and destructive drug out there. Anyway, may Gods strength help carry you through this painful journey. There is a site called grieving.com it helps when im feeling down, you should check it out, its helpful.