Deaths of Drug Addicts in London during 1970–4: Toxicological, Legal and Demographic Findings

Abstract

138 deaths of persons aged 15–50 years with a Coroner's verdict of ‘Due to Addiction’ were found in the London area between 1.1.70–31.12.74: 107 were male and 31 female. Acute drug reaction to intravenous overdosage was the main cause of death in 68·5 per cent of cases, and only 5·6 per cent died of septicaemia. The annual numbers of deaths of addicts was highest in 1972 and now appears to be decreasing. The risk of addicts dying a sudden death in which their addiction was not the main cause but a contributory factor was demonstrated by a 10 per cent random sample of all other inquests, irrespective of verdict, during the same calendar period.