Poll: For doctors, EMTs, ER psychiatrists etc.– What drug(abused or misused) brings the most pt. in?

Question by A Person: Poll: For doctors, EMTs, ER psychiatrists etc.– What drug(abused or misused) brings the most pt. in?
Being in the chemical dependency field, I notice that there seems to exist a cycle between the preferred drugs of abuse in different areas. One year it will be stimulants, another year it will be sedative-hypnotics, etc.
I’m wondering, from a doctor’s perspective what would you say you see most often, not including alcohol, in individuals who are hospitalized or seek treatment.
Please include your general geographic location or state, if you want.

Thanks in advance!
Has anyone seen an increase in IV heroin use amongst adolescents, like middle schoolers?

I’m in central NY and heroin seems to be getting more popular with youth.

Best answer:

Answer by greydoc6
In my early years, accidental ingestion of baby aspirin was the most common cause of ER visits. Limiting the amount of tablets per bottle reduced this, then Schubert’s report that aspirin was linked to Reye Syndrome reduced aspirin intoxication to near zero.

Alcohol was always high on the list. In the 1970s I saw a lot of Qualude intox, LSD, and yellow jackets (nembutal). In the 80s, cocaine was easier to get, so abuse increased. For some reason the 90s were relatively quiet.

Southwestern Ohio

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