Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), 1997: [United States]

The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) survey is designed to
capture data on emergency department (ED) episodes that are induced by
or related to the use of an illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter
drug. For purposes of this collection, a drug "episode" is an ED visit
that was induced by or related to the use of an illegal drug or the
nonmedical use of a legal drug for patients aged six years and
older. A drug "mention" refers to a substance that was mentioned
during a drug-related ED episode. Because up to four drugs can be
reported for each drug abuse episode, there are more mentions than
episodes in the data. Individual persons may also be included more
than once in the data. Within each facility participating in DAWN, a
designated reporter, usually a member of the emergency department or
medical records staff, was responsible for identifying drug-related
episodes and recording and submitting data on each case. An episode
report was submitted for each patient visiting a DAWN emergency
department whose presenting problem(s) was/were related to their own
drug use. DAWN produces estimates of drug-related emergency department
visits for 50 specific drugs, drug categories, or combinations of
drugs, including the following: acetaminophen, alcohol in combination
with other drugs, alprazolam, amitriptyline, amphetamines, aspirin,
cocaine, codeine, diazepam, diphenhydramine, fluoxetine,
heroin/morphine, inhalants/solvents/aerosols, LSD, lorazepam,
marijuana/hashish, methadone, methamphetamine, and PCP/PCP in
combination with other drugs. The use of alcohol alone is not
reported. The route of administration and form of drug used (e.g.,
powder, tablet, liquid) are included for each drug. Data collected for
DAWN also include drug use motive and total drug mentions in the
episode, as well as race, age, patient disposition, reason for ED
visit, and day of the week, quarter, and year of episode.