# Screening for methamphetamine and amphetamine use in trauma: a public health opportunity

## TL;DR

Meth/amphetamine use is common among trauma patients in the US, linked to severe injuries and longer hospital stays, suggesting a need for better screening and intervention.

## Contribution

This study quantifies meth/amphetamine use among trauma patients and highlights its association with injury severity and hospitalization duration.

## Key findings

- 11% of 1.5 million trauma patients screened positive for meth/amphetamines.
- Meth/amphetamine positivity increased from 9% in 2017 to 12% in 2022.
- Positive screens were associated with more severe injuries and longer hospitalizations.

## Abstract

Despite the association of meth/amphetamine use with risk for unintentional injury and interpersonal violence, screening for meth/amphetamine use among injured patients is not required at US trauma centers.

Using data from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs dataset, we examined the prevalence of meth/amphetamine positivity on urine drug screen and its association with clinical outcomes at 873 trauma centers.

Of 4.5 million adult trauma patients, 1.5 million (33%) received a urine drug screen, of which 11% were positive for meth/amphetamines. Rates of positivity increased from 9% in 2017 to 12% in 2022. Prevalence among those screened varied widely across trauma centers (interquartile range 4%-16%). Patients who screened positive for meth/amphetamine presented with more severe injuries and required longer hospitalizations.

Our findings indicate that meth/amphetamine use is common among trauma patients, with a prevalence several times higher than national averages. For this population, improved screening and intervention for meth/amphetamine use disorder at US trauma centers may represent an opportunity to prevent reinjury and improve the health of patients and their communities.

Little is known regarding the prevalence and implications of meth/amphetamine use among patients presenting for care at US trauma centers. In this retrospective cohort study of nearly 1.5 million trauma patients who received a urine drug screen, meth/amphetamines were detected in over 11%, with a pattern of endemic meth/amphetamine use across the United States. Meth/amphetamine use was associated with increased injury severity and longer hospitalizations. These findings indicate that meth/amphetamine use is common among injured patients. Improved screening and intervention for meth/amphetamine use disorder at US trauma centers is needed. These programs could address a significant risk factor for injury and improve the health of patients and their communities.

Among 1.5 million trauma patients who were urine drug screened, 11% tested positive for methamphetamine or amphetamines.Prevalence of meth/amphetamine use has risen in recent years, with evidence of endemic use across trauma centers.Meth/amphetamine use was associated with more severe injuries and longer hospitalizations.

Among 1.5 million trauma patients who were urine drug screened, 11% tested positive for methamphetamine or amphetamines.

Prevalence of meth/amphetamine use has risen in recent years, with evidence of endemic use across trauma centers.

Meth/amphetamine use was associated with more severe injuries and longer hospitalizations.