Need for sedation and analgesia in patients with a history of substance misuse admitted to an intensive care unit.

Background: Patients with a history of substance misuse may develop tolerance to analgesics and psychotropic drugs which alter the need for sedation and analgesia after ICU admittance.

Aims: The objective was to qualify and quantify the needs for sedation and analgesia in critically ill patients with and without a history of substance misuse admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Design: A 2-year prospective, observational study.