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Drug-related death in Denmark in 2007
Kirsten Wiese Simonsen1, A Carsten Hansen, Dorte Rollmann
1Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. kirsten.wiese@forensic.ku.dk
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.
Funding:
not relevant.
Trial Registration:
not relevant.
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