Association Between Substance Abuse and Firearm-Related Injuries in US Emergency Departments

Study investigates the correlation between substance abuse and gun violence in US emergency departments. Among 25.2 million patients with substance use disorder, 0.14% had firearm-related diagnoses. Those with both substance abuse and firearm injuries were younger, primarily male, of lower income, and had higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Urgent need for improved screening and treatment identified.