Substance-related emergency visits increased by nearly 6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The data, collected through the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), provides insight into the substances most frequently leading to ED visits, the demographics most affected, and the ongoing challenges posed by the opioid crisis.
While overall substance-related emergency visits rose, the data reveals shifts in specific substances. Alcohol remained the leading cause of these medical emergencies, making up 41% of all visits, despite a 3.6% decline from the previous year. Opioid-related visits also saw a slight decrease of 3.7%. However, cannabis-related ED visits increased by 4.6%, contributing to the overall rise in substance-related emergency visits.
Who Is Most Affected? Age and Gender Trends in ED Visits
The report highlights demographic trends that help paint a clearer picture of who is most impacted by substance-related emergency visits. People between the ages of 26 and 44 experienced the highest rates of ED visits for substance use, regardless of the specific substance involved.
Gender differences were also evident in the data. Males were more likely than females to visit the ED for substance-related emergency visits across nearly all substance types. However, cannabis and benzodiazepine-related visits showed no significant difference between genders, indicating a more balanced impact across both men and women for these specific substances.
The Evolving Opioid Crisis: A Shift from Heroin to Fentanyl
While the slight decline in overall opioid-related ED visits may seem like progress, a deeper look into the data reveals alarming trends in substance-related emergency visits. There were still 881,556 opioid-related ED visits in 2023, with nearly half of them involving prescription opioids. The data also shows a stark shift in the types of opioids involved in these medical emergencies.
Heroin-related ED visits dropped by 40%, continuing a downward trend seen in recent years. However, fentanyl-related visits spiked by 46% year-over-year, underscoring the growing danger posed by this highly potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl has been a major driver of overdose deaths in recent years, as even small amounts can be lethal. The rise in fentanyl-related substance-related emergency visits suggests that more individuals are being exposed to this powerful drug, either knowingly or unknowingly, as it is often mixed with other substances.
Policy Responses: Expanding Access to Treatment
As these trends unfold, policymakers and healthcare providers continue to grapple with the best approaches to addressing substance-related emergency visits. In November 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced an extension of pandemic-era flexibilities that allow healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances virtually. This includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders, a crucial tool in helping people manage opioid addiction.
The decision to extend these flexibilities has been widely supported by the behavioral health industry, with many advocates emphasizing the importance of expanding access to treatment amid the ongoing opioid crisis. Telehealth options make it easier for individuals, especially those in rural or underserved areas, to receive the care they need without barriers such as transportation or stigma.
What This Means Moving Forward
The increase in substance-related emergency visits in 2023 serves as a reminder that substance use remains a significant public health concern. While the slight decline in alcohol and opioid-related visits may indicate some progress, the rise in cannabis-related emergencies and the alarming surge in fentanyl-related incidents highlight the need for continued efforts in prevention, education, and treatment.
As healthcare systems and policymakers work to address these challenges, access to comprehensive addiction treatment, harm reduction strategies, and mental health support will be critical in reversing these trends. The data from SAMHSA’s latest report provides valuable insight into where efforts should be focused to ensure fewer people end up in the emergency room due to substance-related emergency visits.
