Epidemiology and Impact of Substance Use Disorders on the Intensive Care Unit

This chapter presents epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of substance use disorders in the general population, in medical settings, and then specifically in intensive care units. In addition, the chapter discusses how to diagnose substance use disorders and how they differ from simple use or misuse of substances. Detailing medical and mental health disorders associated with substance use disorders, the chapter also presents data on treating these problems in an intensive care unit setting. Finally, the chapter details the costs associated with substance use disorders in the intensive care unit setting.