Learning objectives
To appreciate the complications associated with illicit drug use, and the radiological signs associated with these complications.
Background
Almost half of all Australians over the age of 14 report using illicit drugs at some point in their lives.1 The most commonly used substances include cannabis, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and inhalants. Around 2 000 Australians die each year from drug-taking, and the biggest increase in illicit drug use is in people in their 40s.2 Presentation to hospital with complications from illicit drug use is common, but abnormalities on imaging are far less common, but are important to recognise, especially as a history of illicit...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Around a quarter of the burden of disease and injury resulting from illicit drug use is from poisoning or overdose1. Australia has a relatively low proportion of people who inject illicit drugs when compared to other countries. Despite the provision of needle syringe programs to minimize the risks of disease from dirty needles, almost 40% of users reported re-using their own needles3. Around 8% of users report developing an infection or abscess (excluding blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis C). Common complications resulting...
Conclusion
In Australia, illicit drug use is estimated to contribute to 3% of the total burden of disease and injury: opioid use being the leading cause (31%), followed by amphetamines (24%). The total impact is enormous: in deaths, permanent physical and mental injury, and in social impact including criminal activity. The reduction in methamphetamine and non-medical opioid painkiller use is perhaps the only positive trend in this continuing tragedy. Imaging, as illustrated above, plays a vital role in diagnosis and management of the serious complications resulting...
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Illicit drug use. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/illicit-drug-use
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016: detailed findings. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2017. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/2016-ndshs-detailed
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia
Bates DDB, Gallagher K, Yu H, Uyeda J, Murakami AM, Setty BN, et al. Acute Radiologic...