Substance abuse and other comorbidities--management in Australian general practice.
INTRODUCTION: Comorbidity of substance abuse with chronic conditions may have a synergistic impact on patients' health. Recognition of this may improve patient care. METHODS: Associations between substance abuse and three common morbidities from de-identified data from a sample of the electronic records of approximately 360 general practitioners were analysed using one proprietary software. Where 'reason for visit' or 'problem managed' was associated with substance use, multiple logistic regression models tested associations. RESULTS: Significant comorbid associations were found for previous smoking with cardiovascular morbidity and respiratory problems. Current smoking and alcohol abuse were nearly three times as common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prescription drug abuse and illicit drug use demonstrated significant associations with chronic back pain. Current smoking was less common among patients with hypertension and lipid disorder. DISCUSSION: The well known causes of substance abuse and common chronic conditions may be more than compensated by their prevention among those with cardiovascular disease. However, other substance abuse comorbidity occurs and may be preventable.