The National Drug Related Deaths Index is a census of drug-related deaths (such as those due to accidental or intentional overdose) and deaths among drug users (such as those due to hepatitis C and HIV) in Ireland. It will also record alcohol-related deaths. The information collected will be used to develop health and social service responses aimed at reducing the number of deaths. The number of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users is one of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) key indicators to measure the consequences of drug use.

• Non-poisoning deaths:
Deaths in individuals with a history of drug dependency or non-dependent abuse of drugs (ascertained from toxicology results and from Central Treatment List, medical or coronial records) whether or not the use of the drug was directly implicated in the death.

• Poisoning deaths:
Deaths which are directly due to the toxic effect of the presence in the body of one or more drugs and/or other substance(s).

Irish drug-related deaths data