Opioid, alcohol, and cannabis misuse among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A population-based analysis in the United States

Background Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) experience chronic pain and have significant physical, emotional, and psychological disease impact. These patients may be at risk for substance abuse. Objective To evaluate substance use disorder (SUD) among patients with HS in the United States. Methods This cross-sectional analysis of adult HS patients (n = 32,625) identified using electronic health records data was pulled from a population-based sample of >50 million patients. Results The prevalence of SUD among patients with HS was 4.0% (1315/32,625) compared to 2.0% (195,260/9,581,640) for patients without HS ( P Limitations SUD may not be accurately diagnosed. Conclusion Patients with HS have higher odds of SUD and may benefit from periodic screening for substance abuse.