Fatal poisoning among people who use drugs in Denmark in 2022.

INTRODUCTION

The patterns of drug use and causes of fatal poisonings among persons who use drugs (PWUD) have been reported every fifth year since 1991 by the Danish Departments of Forensic Medicine. The present study aimed to describe these patterns in 2022.

METHODS

All fatal poisonings among PWUD undergoing legal autopsy at the three Departments of Forensic Medicine in Denmark in 2022 were included in the study.

RESULTS

The number of fatal poisonings among PWUD was 199. The median age was 42 years and 23% were female. Heroin/morphine and methadone were the most frequent main intoxicants, responsible for 22% and 37% of the poisonings, respectively. However, the proportion of deaths caused by other opioids and central stimulants has increased compared to previous years. Oxycodone deaths increased tenfold to 6% from 0.6% in 2017. Cocaine and amphetamine caused 11% and 4.5% of fatal poisonings, respectively. Methadone remained the most frequently detected drug, followed by cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol, clonazepam and heroin/morphine, detected in 52%, 45%, 37%, 35% and 26% of cases, respectively. Tramadol and oxycodone were most frequently detected among PWUD aged 15-25 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate an increasing diversity of opioids causing fatal poisonings in PWUD and a rising detection rate and proportion of deaths linked to central stimulants.

FUNDING: None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.