Original research
by
Edvardsen, Hilde Marie Erøy and Thomas Clausen
Release Date
2022
Geography
Norway
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
The aim of the study is to present autopsy-based findings of the most prevalent opioids in overdose deaths in Norway from 2000 to 2019
Findings/Key points
From year 2000 the annual numbers of overdose deaths decreased, specifically during 2000-2003, thereafter a relatively stable annual number was observed. Opioids were detected in 93% of the cases. Heroin related deaths have decreased, whereas medical opioids for pain treatment have increased with time. Overdose deaths without any illicit drugs present at autopsy have increased in recent years. These deaths, where only potentially prescription medications were detected, were more common among women and with higher age.
Design/methods
Data on cause of death obtained from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (NCoDR) were linked with forensic toxicological results from forensic autopsies.
Keywords
Overdose
Mortality
Safer supply
About PWUD
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
