Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia. (22nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arunogiri, Shalini; Moayeri, Foruhar; Crossin, Rose; Killian, Jessica J.; Smith, Karen; Scott, Debbie; Lubman, Dan I.
• Is Part Of: Addiction. Volume 115:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 473
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2019-11-22
• Subjects: Ambulance -- gamma‐hydroxybutyrate -- GHB -- harms -- methamphetamine -- polysubstance; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1111/add.14848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2140

Abstract

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