Substance abuse across the lifespan in Oklahomans

Background: The Oklahoma State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) conducted a state level needs assessment for alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs. The objective of the epidemiological profile is to improve prevention assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring efforts through the application of systematic and analytical thinking about the causes and consequences of substance abuse. Methods: Consumption and consequence data were analyzed for the entire state of Oklahoma across the lifespan. Consumption data from 2003-2005 were analyzed from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and Monitoring the Future (MTF). Consequence data were analyzed from the Oklahoma Medical Examiners office and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The following statistics were generated to describe the impact of substance abuse in Oklahoma: Proportions, X2 test, Odds ratios, logistic regression, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Approximately, 43% of Oklahoma adults and 48% of youth had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. Current use and binge drinking have increased by 15% since 2002. Approximately, 49% of adults have ever used tobacco and 27% of youth currently use tobacco. Oklahoma youth under the age of 13 used substances at higher rates than the national average. Since 2001, emergency room visits and hospitalizations for minors have increased by 242%. Conclusion: Approximately 83% of Oklahomans between the ages of 12-20 with a serious substance problem do not receive treatment. Based on these findings prevention efforts will be implemented across all levels. A state benchmark has been created that will continue to be monitored to establish trends.