We have prepared our national report about the drug situation in Denmark in 2014. According to the report, the number of drug-related deaths is stable, while the number of poisonings is increasing.
The number of drug abusers, who die due to the abuse problem, is also stable. In 2013, 213 drug-related deaths were recorded in Denmark, compared with 210 in 2012. In the period from 1994 to 2011, around 250 deaths were recorded annually, however, this number reached a maximum level in 2011 with 285 deaths. These numbers appear from our national report about the drug situation in Denmark and the National Police records of drug-related deaths.
The vast majority of drug-related deaths are caused by poisonings as a result of illicit drugs. Around 77 per cent of the 213 drug-related deaths in 2013 were caused by poisonings as a result of one or more illicit drugs. The remaining 23 per cent were caused by for example violence, other accidents than poisonings, illness or unknown causes of death.
Increase in poisonings
Even though the number of deaths is stable, the emergency rooms in Denmark recorded an increasing number of poisonings. The number of poisonings recorded as a result of illicit drugs peaked in 2013 with 2,194 recorded contacts.
The increase in poisonings during the past few years is especially seen in those aged 30 and above. Among young people, poisonings are typically seen with cannabis and psychostimulants, whereas poisonings with opioids and compounds of several drugs most frequently appear among the older generation.