This paper presents new NDRDI figures on drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users in 2008, and updates previously published figures for the years 1998–2007.

Overview
• In the 11-year period 1998–2008 a total of 4,064 drug related deaths and deaths among drug users met the criteria for inclusion in the NDRDI database. Of these deaths, 2,434 were due to poisoning and 1,630 were due to traumatic or medical causes (non-poisoning) (Table 1).
• In 1998, almost three-quarters (74%) 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 2008 due to poisoning and 44% to other causes (non-poisoning).
• The annual number of deaths in 2008 fell slightly to 524, compared to 535 in 2007. The 2008 figure is likely to be revised upwards when new data becomes available (Table 1).