Surge in Severe Burns Linked to Drug Smoking

Illicit drug users fueling rise in catastrophic burn cases, new study finds

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A new study has found that more than half of Medicaid patients treated for burns in Oregon hospitals and emergency rooms were using smokable drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. The research shows burn rates are over four times higher among people smoking drugs, with powerful butane torches playing a key role in these injuries.

Why it matters

The study highlights an emerging public health issue, as smoking has surpassed injection as the most common route of fatal overdoses in the U.S. Serious burns are an under-recognized risk associated with smoking drugs, and doctors are calling for increased awareness and prevention efforts.

The details

Interviews with burn victims revealed the role of powerful butane torches, which are designed for cooking but can cause catastrophic injuries when used to smoke drugs. People who become sedated or unconscious while inhaling fentanyl are more likely to burn themselves with a locked-on butane torch versus a disposable lighter.

  • The study tracked burn cases among Medicaid patients treated at Oregon hospitals between April 2016 and March 2024.
  • In 2022, smoking surpassed injection as the most common route of fatal overdoses in the U.S.

The players

Dr. Mark Thomas

A surgeon in the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.

Dr. Honora Englander

The lead researcher who directs an in-hospital addiction care team at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dr. Mark Thomas, Surgeon

“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.”

— Dr. Honora Englander, Researcher

What’s next

Doctors who work with substance use disorder patients are being urged to warn them of the risks associated with butane torches and to discuss how they are smoking drugs.

The takeaway

This study highlights an emerging public health issue, as smoking has surpassed injection as the most common route of fatal overdoses. Doctors are calling for increased awareness and prevention efforts around the serious burn risks associated with smoking illicit drugs, particularly the use of powerful butane torches.