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 2004–2012. The figures in this update supersede all previously published figures.a

Overview

• In the nine-year period 2004–2012 a total of 5,289 deaths by drug poisoning and deaths among drug users met the criteria for inclusion in the NDRDI database. Of these deaths, 3,112 were due to poisoning and 2,177 were deaths among drug users (non-poisoning) (Table 1).

• There were 633 deaths in 2012, compared to 645 in 2011. Despite this decrease the overall trend for the reporting period is upwards (Table 1). The 2012 figure is likely to be revised upwards when new data become available.

• Deaths due to polydrug use have increased by 60% over the reporting period from 118 in 2004 to 189 in 2012 (Figure 3).