Hazardous Drinkers and Drug Users in HMO Primary Care: Prevalence, Medical Conditions, and Cost

This study examined drug and alcohol users without diagnosed substance abuse disorders within the context of HMO primary care.  The authors found "a prevalence of 7.5% for hazardous drinking and 3.2% for drug use in primary care (10% had at least one of the two problems). Hazardous drinkers and drug users had heightened prevalences for eight medical conditions, including costly conditions such as injury and hypertension, and psychiatric conditions. Medical costs for the year examined were not higher, except for those who also had psychiatric conditions".  They study concludes that "the prevalence of hazardous drinking and drug use was similar to hypertension and diabetes. Hazardous drinkers and drug users' heightened medical conditions, especially those related to alcohol and drug abuse, indicate that screening and brief intervention at this lower threshold of hazardous drinking and drug use will detect individuals with health risks sooner. Optimal treatment and prevention of some medical disorders may require identification and intervention of underlying hazardous alcohol or drug use."

Mertens, J. R., Weisner, C., Ray, G. T., Fireman, B., & Walsh, K. (2005). Hazardous drinkers and drug users in HMO primary care: prevalence, medical conditions, and costs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 29(6), 989-998. http://www.alcoholism-cer.com/pt/re/alcoholism/abstract.00000374-200506000-00009onclick= 

Authors: Jennifer R. Mertens, Constance Weisner, Thomas G. Ray, Bruce Fireman, Kevin Walsh.