Global Warming Increase Substance-Related Disorders

In recent decades, the United States has witnessed a concerning trend: a surge in heavy episodic drinking and a corresponding rise in alcohol-related fatalities and health issues, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, drug overdose deaths have increased dramatically since the turn of the 21st century.

Surging Temperature and Substance Related Disorders

To explore the relationship between temperature and hospital admissions linked to alcohol and various drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and sedatives, researchers turned their attention to New York State.

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Their analysis relied on extensive data encompassing 671,625 alcohol-related and 721,469 substance-related disorder hospital visits spanning two decades. This data was combined with comprehensive records of daily temperatures and relative humidity.

A statistical model was employed to compare days marked by high temperatures with nearby days featuring lower temperatures. This approach enabled researchers to understand the influence of short-term climate-related phenomena, such as elevated heat, on hospital admissions.

Temperature and Alcohol-Related Disorders
The study revealed a clear correlation: as temperatures increased, so did hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. This phenomenon may be attributed to several factors, including increased outdoor activities in warmer weather, a greater tendency to consume substances during pleasant outdoor conditions, heightened perspiration leading to dehydration, or even driving under the influence.

Temperature and Other Drug Disorders

Interestingly, the link between higher temperatures and hospital admissions extended to other drug disorders, including those related to cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and sedatives. However, this association was limited to temperatures below 65.8°F (18.8°C). Beyond this temperature threshold, individuals might be less inclined to venture outdoors.

The study’s authors suggest that future research could delve into the interaction between existing health conditions, exacerbated by alcohol and substance use, and rising temperatures. Moreover, efforts to link instances of death with hospital visit records could provide a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ medical histories and the impact of temperature on the most severe cases.

In light of these findings, public health scientists and officials have an opportunity to implement interventions and awareness campaigns. These initiatives can educate the public about the risks associated with substance use during warmer temperatures. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of prioritizing public health interventions that target alcohol and substance disorders during periods of elevated temperatures, especially among vulnerable communities.

Senior author Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, ScD, an associate professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia Public Health, emphasizes the significance of such interventions. She asserts that public health measures should prioritize addressing alcohol and substance disorders, particularly during warmer weather, and consider targeted messaging to raise awareness of the associated risks.

Reference :

1. The association between temperature and alcohol and substance-related disorder hospital visits in New York State – (https:www.nature.com/articles/s43856-023-00346-1.epdf)

Source: Medindia