New Health Study Shows Increase in Hospitalization Due to Substance Abuse
Alcohol and substance abuse has been an increasing cause of hospitalization in the United States. According to a press release by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) a recent study on the rise of hospitalization has shown that alcohol and substance abuse has been a leading cause of hospitalizations. The study, which was conducted by the NIAA showed that between the years of 1998-2008 hospitalizations for the 18-24 age group made a huge jump. The results showed that 25% of the increase was related to alcohol overdoses while 56% and 75% for drug and combined overdoses respectively.
Alcohol and substance abuse ranks amongst the biggest problems for teens and young adults, along with depression. In fact regardless of age, both alcohol and substance abuse are one of the major health problems for the American society in general. To make it even worse, only a handful of health insurance plans cover for alcohol or substance abuse cessation as compared to cigarette smoking cessation which is now in almost health insurance plans.
In 2008 alone, this medical problem resulted in 1.6 million hospitalizations. The cost of these hospitalizations alone cost the economy a whopping $15.5 billion. Depression and work stress are said to be a major cause of concern in relation to this type of substance abuse. Unfortunately, although alcohol overdose in itself is a cause of concern, the combination of alcohol with other drugs is a particularly potent combination that causes even more problems.
The study was conducted using 20% sample size data of community hospitals in the United States. The data was taken from the hospitalization information submitted by the Healthcare Research and Quality agency. The hospitalization data was studied by researchers in order to find the hospitalization trend during the said years. The study serves as an indicator of the lack of education offered to the public on this type of abuse. The hope is also that the study will increase awareness of these risks and spur additional screening to combat its effects.
The researchers in the study were I–Jen Pan and Hsiao–Ye Yi. They were also joined and led by doctors Aaron White and Ralph Hingson. Both White and Hingson work for the NIAA.
The research shows that health problems like this spawns huge problems - not just for the individuals who suffer the consequences of substance and alcohol abuse but also the general economy.
This health news update comes from the advisors at PMG Agency. We specialize in several types of Indiana insurance; so whatever your needs may be, we can help you find a quality, and cost effective plan designed for you.
