Trends in recreational poisoning in Newcastle, Australia, between 1996 and 2013

Abstract

Background: Poisoning that occurs as the result using alcohol or drugs for recreational purposes or to induce rewarding psychoactive effects ("recreational poisoning") represents significant harm attributed to drug use. There has been limited focus on recreational poisoning separately from hospital admissions for general harms related to alcohol or drug use. This study aims to detail the drug trends and patient population represented in recreational poisonings in Newcastle, Australia.

Methods: Naturalistic analysis of consecutive hospital presentations following poisoning between January, 1996 and December, 2013 was conducted using data from the Hunter Area Toxicology Service (HATS). 13805 patient records were included (aged 18-98), 1209 (8.8%) of those were recreational poisonings.

Results: Compared to non-recreational poisonings, recreational poisonings were more likely to occur in males than females (OR=2.87, 95% CI: 2.44-3.40, p<0.001) and in patients under the age of 30 compared to their older counterparts (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.35-1.85, p<0.001). Hospital presentations for recreational poisonings were more likely to occur between 0300 and 0600 h than 0900-1700 h (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 2.29-4.11, p<0.001) and more likely to occur on the weekend than on a Monday. Overall, recreational poisoning admissions declined over time.

Conclusions: Overall, the trends reported in this analysis reflect general use and availability of alcohol and illicit substances in Australia over the time period. Looking at specific sub-types of alcohol and drug-related harm, like poisoning, is important for service planning and government initiatives.

Keywords: Alcohol-related poisoning; Hospital trends; Newcastle Australia; Recreational poisoning.