Drugs of abuse among acute psychiatric and medical admissions: laboratory based identification of prevalence and drug influence

ObjectiveTo use laboratory based analyses of blood and urine to determine the prevalence and influence of drugs of abuse among acute psychiatric and medical admissions.MethodIn a cross sectional study, urine and blood samples were collected from 100 psychiatric and 106 medical admissions and extensively analysed for legal drugs with abuse potential, alcohol and illegal drugs. Drug influence at the time of admission was estimated on the basis of blood drug concentrations.ResultsLegal drugs were found in 47% of the psychiatric and 42% of the medical admissions. Alcohol was detected in 8% of the psychiatric and 4% of medical admissions, and illegal drugs were detected in 36% of the psychiatric and 13% of the medical admissions. Drug influence was estimated in 26% of the psychiatric and 14% of the medical patients.ConclusionThis study shows widespread use of substances among psychiatric and medical inpatients and that many are under the influence of drugs on admission.