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Methadone-related deaths in Norway
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
Summary
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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