News

Study Shows 49% Rise in ED Visits for Drug-Related Suicide Attempts

A new national study shows that from 2005 to 2009 (the most recent year with available figures) there was a 49% increase in emergency department (ED) visits for drug-related suicide attempts by women aged 50 and older—from 11,235 visits in 2005 to 16,757 in 2009. This increase reflects the overall population growth of women aged 50 and older. 
 
The report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shows that, while overall rates for these types of hospital ED visits by women of all ages remained relatively stable throughout this period, visits involving particular pharmaceuticals increased. For example, among females, ED visits for suicide attempts involving drugs to treat anxiety and insomnia increased 56% during this period—from 32,426 in 2005 to 50,548 in 2009.

Similarly, ED visits for suicide attempts among females involving pain relievers rose more than 30% from 36,563 in 2005 to 47,838 in 2009. The rise in the number of cases involving the misuse of two narcotic pain relievers, hydrocodone and oxycodone, was particularly steep.  There was a 67% increase in the number of cases involving hydrocodone (from 4,613 in 2005 to 7,715 in 2009), and a 210% increase in the number of these cases involving oxycodone (from 1,895 in 2005 to 5,875 in 2009).

“The steep rise in abuse of narcotic pain relievers by women is extremely dangerous and we are now seeing the result of this public health crisis in our emergency rooms,” says Pamela S. Hyde, JD. “Emergency rooms should not be the frontline in our efforts to intervene.  Friends, family, and all members of the community must do everything possible to help identify women who may be in crisis and do everything possible to reach out and get them needed help.”

— Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration