This update presents figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) on deaths due to poisoning by alcohol and/or other drugs, and deaths among drug users, in the period 2004–2009. Alcohol-only poisonings have been retrospectively recorded by the NDRDI from 2004 onwards and are included in this update. The figures in this update supersede all previously published figures.

Overview
• In the six-year period 2004–2009 a total of 3,334 deaths by drug poisoning and deaths among drug users met the criteria for inclusion in the NDRDI database. Of these deaths, 2,015 were due to poisoning and 1,319 were due to traumatic or medical causes (non-poisoning).
• In 2004, the majority (267, 63%) of drug-related deaths recorded in the NDRDI were poisonings. The percentage of such deaths decreased over the reporting period, with 56% of deaths in 2009 due to poisoning and 44% to other causes (non-poisoning).
• The annual number of deaths in 2009 fell slightly to 638, compared to 641 in 2008. The 2009 figure is likely to be revised upwards when new data become available.