Methadone-related deaths in Norway

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Jean-Paul Bernard1, Ingrid Havnes, Lars Slørdal

  • 1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Forensic Medicine and Drug Abuse Research, Oslo, Norway. jpbern28@hotmail.com

Forensic Science International
|December 19, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methadone-related deaths in Norway averaged one weekly from 2000-2006. Most deaths involved intoxication, often with other drugs, and few victims were in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT).

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Methadone, used in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), carries risks of adverse effects and fatal toxicity.
  • Increased availability of methadone may correlate with a rise in methadone-related fatalities.
  • This study examined methadone-related deaths in Norway between 2000 and 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the trends and characteristics of methadone-related deaths in Norway.
  • To assess the role of OMT in methadone-related fatalities.
  • To inform strategies for controlling methadone diversion and reducing mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Forensic toxicological investigations identified methadone-positive samples from 2000-2006.
  • Demographic and toxicological data were collected for deceased individuals.
  • Cases were cross-referenced with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and OMT registers.

Main Results:

  • A total of 312 individuals died from methadone use between 2000-2006, predominantly males aged 36.
  • Methadone-related intoxication caused 85% of deaths, frequently involving co-ingestion of other substances like benzodiazepines and opioids.
  • Only 22% of deceased individuals were enrolled in OMT at the time of death; OMT patients had higher mortality from non-intoxication causes (e.g., disease).

Conclusions:

  • An average of one methadone-related death occurred weekly during the study period.
  • A significant majority of methadone-related deaths involved individuals not registered in OMT programs.
  • Findings highlight the critical need for controlling medication diversion from OMT programs to prevent fatalities.

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