St George’s Medical School (University of London) and the SSA produced a user-friendly set of factsheets to help integrate knowledge of substance use into the undergraduate medical curriculum. This factsheet examines drug-related attendance at hospital emergency departments. After reading the factsheet, medical students will be able to:
- appreciate the dynamic nature of recreational drug use and the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances
- appreciate the need to remain up to date with emerging patterns
- be aware of available antidotes and their indications for use
- recognise the importance of asking all patients about their use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, including prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, and the use of new psychoactive substances
- recognise that attendance at an emergency department provides an opportunity for brief intervention and health promotion advice
- be aware of available local services to signpost individuals who require help with drinking or drug use
