Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia

• DOI: 10.1111/add.14848
• Publication Date: 2019-10-16T23:05:10Z
• Authors: Shalini Arunogiri; Foruhar Moayeri; Rose Crossin; Jessica J. Killian; Karen Smith; Debbie Scott; Dan I. Lubman
• Keywords: Gamma hydroxybutyrate

Although the prevalence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use is relatively low globally, harms related to drug appear be increasing. Few existing studies present reliable, representative, population-level data on GHB-related harms. The aim this study was investigate trends in acute within an ambulance database Australia.Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis all attendances state Victoria, Australia during a 7-year period (January 2012-December 2018) MEASUREMENTS: Presentations were characterized based patient demographics, transport hospital, co-occurring substance (i.e. GHB only, alcohol, methamphetamine, heroin, benzodiazepine and cannabis) clinical presentation (e.g. symptoms anxiety, psychosis, depression).There 5866 between 2012 2018, with rate increasing from 8.8 per 100 000 population maximum 21.7 2017. Methamphetamine [odds ratio (OR) = 6.23, P < 0.001] benzodiazepine-related (OR 1.43, 0.001) co-occurrences; ages 18-29 6.58, 30-39 years 2.02, 0.001); male gender 1.23, significant predictors attendances.There has been 147% increase 2019, largely attributable growth proportions people using alone or concurrently methamphetamine.