Severe Burns Linked to Smokable Drug Use Epidemic

Oregon Medicaid data show people who use smokable drugs account for over half of all burn-related hospitalizations and ER visits.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:18am

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A new study led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that more than half of people treated for severe burns in hospitals and emergency rooms over nearly a decade also used smokable drugs other than tobacco. The researchers analyzed Oregon Medicaid data and conducted interviews with patients, finding that the widespread availability of butane torches designed for cooking has contributed to an increase in severe burn injuries linked to drug use.

Why it matters

As the overdose epidemic continues, this research highlights a growing and under-recognized public health issue - the risk of severe burns associated with smoking illicit drugs. These burn injuries can result in permanent disability, repeated surgeries, and lifelong physical and psychological consequences for those struggling with substance use.

The details

The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed Oregon Medicaid data from April 2016 to March 2024. Researchers found that over half of people treated for burns in hospitals and emergency rooms also used smokable drugs other than tobacco. Interviews with 19 patients revealed the widespread availability of butane torches designed for cooking, which often include locking mechanisms that raise the risk for people who may become sedated or unconscious while inhaling drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamine.

  • The study analyzed Oregon Medicaid data from April 2016 to March 2024.
  • The research was published today in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

The players

Honora Englander, M.D.

Lead author of the study and director of an in-hospital addiction care team at Oregon Health & Science University.

Mark Thomas, M.D.

Surgeon at the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel in Portland and co-author on the study.

Oregon Health & Science University

The university where the research was conducted.

Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel

The burn center in Portland where the researchers noticed an increase in severe burns linked to drug use.

Oregon Medicaid

The source of the data analyzed in the study.

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What they’re saying

“That's a striking and concerning finding. Serious burns are an under-recognized risk associated with smoking drugs. We hope that our study will increase awareness of this critical public health issue.”

— Honora Englander, M.D., Lead author of the study

“We are seeing increasing numbers of patients with catastrophic burn injuries linked to drug use. People can recover from addiction, but these burns often result in permanent disability, repeated surgeries, and lifelong physical and psychological consequences.”

— Mark Thomas, M.D., Surgeon at the Oregon Burn Center

What’s next

Researchers are encouraging outreach workers and medical providers to talk with clients about the hazards of using butane torches to smoke drugs, especially the risks for people using these devices alone.

The takeaway

As the overdose crisis continues, this research highlights an emerging public health issue - the risk of severe, disabling burns associated with smoking illicit drugs. Addressing this threat will require increased awareness and intervention among healthcare providers and the broader community.