The Connection
A mention means that a drug was one of up to four substances mentioned in a drug
abuse episode that resulted in Emergency Room Admission. In comparison
with 21 other metropolitan areas, Dallas has one of the lowest rates of heroin and marijuana mentions and has shown a significant decrease in cocaine mentions.
GDCADA Web Report
Prescription Drug Abuse
Growing Among Youths
The Costs
The average charge per patient at Parkland’s Emergency Room last year
was $728. Applying this to the number of drug-abuse
related emergency room visits in the year 2000, the Dallas metro area
incurred almost $5 million in ER charges that were directly related to
drug abuse.
In the News
USA Today, July 2001
Club drugs are sending increasing numbers of young people to the hospital
with toxic reactions and overdoses, emergency-room data shows. The drugs,
including Ecstasy,
GHB, an anesthetic
called Ketamine®, and another so-called date-rape-drug, Rohypnol®,
have grown popular at all-night rave parties and in dance clubs. Emergency
room visits in 21 metropolitan areas tracked by the Drug Abuse Warning
Network (including Dallas), reported a 58% increase between 1999–2000.
Emergency room visits for other drugs also increased, including heroin,
morphine, and prescription drugs containing OxyContin, Percocet®, and Percodan®.
Make A Difference
Advocate for increased resources for publicly funded drug treatment and prevention.
Support treatment and prevention programs through donations and volunteer work.
Resources
Explore Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Center of North Texas
(214) 826-6767
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ER Admissions With Drug Mention Cocaine — — — — — — — Marijuana — — — — — — — Heroin Amphetamine — — — — — — — Ecstasy PCP GHB — — — graphics below this mark are not in proportion to graphics above
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1,778
553