| Screening and brief intervention for alcohol is a requirement for select trauma centers, but the same is not required for drug use, despite its associated harm to the individual and society. This study assessed the effectiveness of screening and brief intervention on drug-using patients admitted to a trauma center and the role injury severity plays. The results indicated drug-using patients benefited from brief intervention as much as alcohol-using patients and that injury severity does not impact outcomes. However, those using drugs are less likely to report that use than are those using alcohol, no matter how severely injured. Implications for trauma care are discussed. |
