The rate of ED visits with a primary diagnosis or primary complaint of substance abuse or dependence by patients aged 18–34 years in the United States increased from 45.4 visits per 10,000 persons in 2008–2009 to 76.0 visits in 2016–2017 but remained stable among patients aged ≥35 years (27.2 in 2008–2009 and 24.6 in 2016–2017). In both periods, persons aged 18–34 years were more likely to visit the ED for substance abuse or dependence than those aged ≥35 years.
Source: National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2008–2017.
Footnotes
Visit rates are based on the July 1, 2008–2009 and 2016–2017 estimates of the civilian noninstitutionalized population as developed by the U.S. Census Bureau Population Division; 95% confidence intervals are indicated with error bars.
Based on a sample of visits to emergency departments (EDs) in noninstitutional general and short-stay hospitals, exclusive of federal, military, and Veterans Administration hospitals, located in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Defined as ED visits made by patients aged ≥18 years with a primary diagnosis of substance-related disorders or primary complaint of substance abuse or dependence (includes opioid, cannabis, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, cocaine, amphetamine, hallucinogen, inhalant, other stimulant, and other psychoactive substance-related disorders).