Physical health problems among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders: A comparison of drug dependent and alcohol dependent patients

TY - JOUR

T1 - Physical health problems among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders: A comparison of drug dependent and alcohol dependent patients

AU - Keaney, Francis

AU - Gossop, Michael

AU - Dimech, Anthony

AU - Guerrini, Irene

AU - Butterworth, Michelle

AU - Al-Hassani, Hayder

AU - Morinan, Alun

PY - 2011/2

Y1 - 2011/2

N2 - Design and methods: A total of 252 patients from one inpatient and two outpatient units were interviewed. Data were collected at the start of treatment using a structured research protocol to assess nine health domains, and ratings were made by a medically qualified physician following physical examination of the patient. Results: Physical health problems were common-76% of the sample had at least one problem and 51% had two or more problems. Health problems were often serious and required treatment with the overall level of severity significantly higher (p <.001) in alcohol dependent patients and specifically for neurological, gastrointestinal and liver, and dermatological problems. Among alcohol dependent patients, both quantity of drinking prior to treatment and age (p <.001) were associated with increased physical morbidity. For drug dependent patients, injection of drugs (p <.001) and homelessness (p = .037) were associated with poorer physical health. For both groups physical health was poorer among those treated in inpatient than in outpatient settings (p <.001). Discussion and Conclusions: The high prevalence of physical health problems among patients who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs emphasizes the importance of a thorough health screening at admission to treatment with provision for, or referral to, appropriate treatment for any problems identified.

AB - Design and methods: A total of 252 patients from one inpatient and two outpatient units were interviewed. Data were collected at the start of treatment using a structured research protocol to assess nine health domains, and ratings were made by a medically qualified physician following physical examination of the patient. Results: Physical health problems were common-76% of the sample had at least one problem and 51% had two or more problems. Health problems were often serious and required treatment with the overall level of severity significantly higher (p <.001) in alcohol dependent patients and specifically for neurological, gastrointestinal and liver, and dermatological problems. Among alcohol dependent patients, both quantity of drinking prior to treatment and age (p <.001) were associated with increased physical morbidity. For drug dependent patients, injection of drugs (p <.001) and homelessness (p = .037) were associated with poorer physical health. For both groups physical health was poorer among those treated in inpatient than in outpatient settings (p <.001). Discussion and Conclusions: The high prevalence of physical health problems among patients who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs emphasizes the importance of a thorough health screening at admission to treatment with provision for, or referral to, appropriate treatment for any problems identified.

U2 - 10.3109/14659890903580474

DO - 10.3109/14659890903580474

M3 - Article

VL - 16

SP - 27

EP - 37

JO - Journal of Substance Use

JF - Journal of Substance Use

IS - 1

ER -