Drug-related mortality in an inner city area

A comprehensive survey of mortality amongst addicts was carried out in an inner city area of London over a period of 9 years (1971-1979). One hundred and seventy-five deaths were noted during this period with a sharp rise occurring in the latter 2 years. Overdose was the predominant cause of death with barbiturates being implicated in 60% of the fatalities. Almost all the addicts who died were under the age of 35 years and about half were not known to the authorities.