Initiation of substance use-related treatments in surgical patients with risky alcohol use
Authors' conclusion
Although surgical patients with high or severe risk alcohol use were more likely to receive perioperative treatment or referrals than moderate-risk peers, overall rates of treatment initiation remained low.
Study context
- Population
- Surgical patients at risk for alcohol use disorder by preoperative Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C), without substance use-related treatment in the 90 days before surgery, 2011–2025
- Participants
- 18,887 surgical encounters
- Exposure
- High or severe vs moderate risk AUDIT-C
- Outcome
- New psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment or referral
- Follow-up
- During the stay or within 90 days after discharge
Methodological detailselectronic health record data, multivariable logistic regression, quaternary health system
- Electronic health record data
- Multivariable logistic regression
- Quaternary health system
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs moderate riskAdjusted odds ratio (95% CI)P value
High risk
1.44(1.25–1.65)
P < 0.001Severe risk
2.04(1.80–2.31)
P < 0.001- Encounters with documented behavioral or pharmacologic treatment or referral, overall
- 22.4%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Initiation of substance use-related treatments in surgical patients with risky alcohol use. J Clin Anesth. Published 17 September 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →