Drug-related death in Denmark in 2007

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INTRODUCTION: We investigated fatal poisonings among
drug addicts in 2007. The cause of death, abuse pattern
and geographic differences are presented.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: All drug-related deaths examined
at the three forensic medicine institutes in Denmark
in 2007 were evaluated.
RESULTS: The number of drug-related deaths in 2007
was 226. Methadone deaths had increased since 1997
while heroin/morphine deaths decreased. In earlier
studies, very few deaths from central stimulants like cocaine
and amphetamines occurred (1-1.5%), but in 2007
6% of the deaths were caused by these drugs. Multiple
drug use was common. Heroin/morphine, cocaine, amphetamine,
cannabis, methadone, benzodiazepines and
alcohol were included in the poly-drug use.
CONCLUSION: This investigation shows stabilization in the
number of fatal poisonings in drug addicts. Geographic
differences were observed. Methadone was the most
frequent cause of fatal poisoning and there was a continuous
decrease in heroin/morphine deaths. Fatal
deaths from cocaine and amphetamine have increased
considerably. Multiple drug use was common.
Original languageEnglish
JournalDanish Medical Bulletin (Online)
Volume58
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
ISSN1603-9629
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2011

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