[Fatal intoxications among drug addicts in Denmark in 1997].

INTRODUCTION:The purpose of this study was to investigate fatal poisonings among drug addicts in 1997 and to compare the results to similar investigations from 1985 and 1991. MATERIAL AND METHODS:All fatal intoxications among drug addicts in Denmark in 1997, investigated at the three Institutes of Forensic Medicine in Denmark. RESULTS:The number of fatal intoxications increased by 32% from 1991 to 1997, mainly outside the metropolitan area, The average age increased from 32 to 36 years. The proportion of heroin/morphine intoxications increased from 57% to 71%. The most commonly used drugs were as in 1991 heroin/morphine, diazepam and methadone. The frequency of cocaine increased from one positive case in 1991 to 14% positive cases in 1997. DISCUSSION:This study showed an increasing number of fatal intoxications and changes in drug abuse pattern and place of death since 1991.