Table DRD-1. Summary of characteristics of the deceased in drug-induced deaths according to national definitions [see all tables in this series...]

Part (ii) Numbers of drug-induced deaths and toxicology, 2008 or last year with available information

Notes:

 The information refers to the last year for which information on the deceased's characteristics was available. Data for Belgium is not included as the most recent year with available information is 1997. 

 Number of deaths per country per year are presented in Table DRD-2 part (i). 

 Toxicology is computed as valid percentages, over the cases with known toxicology. The computation basis for toxicology should be obtained by (No of DRD) x (% known toxicology).  

 (1) In the year 2008 the number cases on which no autopsy has been performed tripled (up to 32 cases) in comparison with previous years. 

 (2) Data has not been included this year due to major discrepancies existing in previous years between figures from the General Mortality Register and the Special Register (reporting all cases with a positive toxicology, not only Selection D). Ongoing work is conducted by Portugal to harmonise data reporting with EMCDDA Selection D, and to make data available in next reporting year. 

 (3) United Kingdom: (DSD) based on definition developed for the drug strategy. See Drug-related deaths — methods and definitions.  

 (4) Almost all cases are referred to general mortality registries where the ICD codes do not allow to differentiate if opiates were present or not. 

 (5) Valid percentages computed (excluding mixed/unknown cases). 

Sources:

 Reitox national reports 2009, taken from national mortality registries or special registries (forensic or police). Based on ‘National definitions’ as presented in Drug-related deaths — methods and definitions.  

• Download this data in Excel (.xls) format

(see the help page for information about formats etc.)