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Death rates from ecstasy (MDMA, MDA) and polydrug use in England and Wales 1996-2002.
- Source :
-
Human psychopharmacology [Hum Psychopharmacol] 2003 Oct; Vol. 18 (7), pp. 519-24. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- The present study reports on all deaths related to taking ecstasy (alone, or in a polydrug combination) occurring in England and Wales in the time frame August 1996-April 2002. Data presented here are based on all information recorded in the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (np-SAD) database. The np-SAD regularly receives all information on drug related deaths in addicts and non addicts from coroners. A total of 202 ecstasy-related fatalities occurred in the chosen time-frame, showing a steady increase in the number of deaths each year. The ratio male:female was 4:1 and 3 of 4 victims were younger than 29. In 17% of cases ecstasy was the sole drug implicated in death and in the remaining cases a number of other drugs (mostly alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines and opiates) have been found. According to toxicology results, MDMA accounted for 86% of cases and MDA for 13% of cases; single deaths were associated with MDEA and PMA. This is the largest sample of ecstasy related deaths so far; possible explanations are given for the observed steady increase in ecstasy-related deaths and a tentative 'rationale' for this polypharmacy combination is then proposed.<br /> (Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Amphetamine-Related Disorders epidemiology
Benzodiazepines poisoning
Cannabinoids poisoning
Cocaine poisoning
Drug Interactions
England epidemiology
Ethanol poisoning
Female
Heroin poisoning
Humans
Male
Wales epidemiology
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine poisoning
Amphetamine-Related Disorders mortality
Hallucinogens poisoning
N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine poisoning
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0885-6222
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Human psychopharmacology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14533133
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.528