Injury is a major cause of death across the age spectrum, and the leading killer of Americans aged 1 through 44 years. Scientists frequently identify the causes of injury as a combination of risky behavior and hazardous environments. Risk-taking behavior and injury are especially common during adolescence and young adulthood. Drug use contributes to injuries among adolescents and young adults because it has negative effects on perception, judgment, and reaction time. A young person under the influence of drugs also has less respect for the welfare of self and others.

The field of research that explores the relationship between injury and drugs other than alcohol is relatively new. This research has been greatly aided by improved drug testing, which allows investigators to detect drugs in samples of blood, urine, saliva, sweat, or hair. Most of this research occurs in facilities such as...