2026/05/28 by Elyssia Bourke, Kate Klein, Chris J. Selman +16 · 1 voice
Medicine · Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics · Psychology · #Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis #Gambling Behavior and Treatments #Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
paper · doi:10.1111/1742-6723.70279
openalex publication_date 2026/05/28 · openalex created_date 2026/05/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
OBJECTIVES: To describe the historical and current use of recreational drugs by a trial cohort of youth presenting to the emergency department (ED) whilst experiencing acute behavioural disturbance (ABD). METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a randomised, controlled trial comparing medication management of ABD in children and adolescents aged nine to 17 years who were deemed to require oral sedative medication. RESULTS: Recreational drugs were used by 33% of participants any time prior to enrolment (115/348). Cannabis was the most commonly used (87/348, 25%), followed by amphetamines/methamphetamines (32/348, 9%) and benzodiazepines (26/348, 7%). CONCLUSION: Recreational drug use may be a contributing factor to ABD amongst children and adolescents presenting to EDs.