86 drug related deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2007

In total 86 deaths were registered in Northern Ireland in 2007 where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs. This finding is contained in a report published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

The report highlights that the number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 deaths in 2007. The report also indicates that over the last decade the median age at death for drug related deaths was 40 years, 38 years less than the overall median age at death of 78 years.

Drugs commonly associated with drug addiction such as heroin and cocaine are mentioned on fewer death certificates than drugs such as amphetamines, benzodiazepines and antidepressants. The report indicates that of the 86 drug related deaths registered in 2007:

• 21 had diazepam recorded on the death certificate;
• 20 had antidepressants recorded on the death certificate;
• 16 had codeine recorded on the death certificate;
• 10 had heroin/morphine recorded on the death certificate;
• 8 had paracetamol recorded on the death certificate;
• 5 had MDMA/Ecstasy recorded on the death certificate; and
• 3 had cocaine recorded on the death certificate.

Some death certificates may have more than one drug mentioned and some death certificates which are drug related have no specific drugs mentioned.

The number of drug related deaths is higher for males than females, with males accounting for 60%of drug related deaths between 1997 and 2007.

In 2007, nearly two-thirds (62%) of drug related deaths were due to either intentional self-poisoning (45%) or events of indetermined intent (16%). In addition accidental poisoning accounted for a further 33% of drug related deaths. The remaining 6% of drug related deaths were due to mental and behavioural disorders due to drug use.

Notes to Editors:

1. This information can also be accessed on the NISRA web site .
2. The definition of a drug related death used in this report; is when the cause of death recorded on the death certificate is drug poisoning, drug abuse or drug dependence. This definition is in common use across the United Kingdom. The figures presented relate to both legal and illegal drugs and thus will include deaths related for example to paracetamol or cocaine.
3. Under this definition some deaths that could be regarded as drug related deaths are excluded. For example, a death from a road traffic accident caused by someone under the influence of drugs is excluded under this definition.
4. All media inquiries should be directed to DHSSPS Press Office
   Telephone: 028 9052 0575
   Fax: 028 9052 0572
5. Further information on the statistics provided in this publication can be obtained from NISRA Customer Services at:
   Telephone: 028 9034 8160
   Fax: 028 9034 8161
   Email: census.nisra@dfpni.gov.uk