Citation

Darke S, Hall W. J. Urban Health 2003; 80(2): 189-200.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1093/jurban/jtg022

PMID

12791795

PMCID

PMC3456279

Abstract

Drug overdose is a major cause of premature death and morbidity among heroin users. This article examines recent research into heroin overdose to inform interventions that will reduce the rate of overdose death. The demographic characteristics of overdose cases are discussed, including factors associated with overdose: polydrug use, drug purity, drug tolerance, routes of administration, and suicide. Responses by heroin users at overdoses are also examined. Potential interventions to reduce the rate of overdose and overdose-related morbidity are examined in light of the emerging data in this field.

Language: en

Keywords

Australia; Drug Overdose; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heroin Dependence; Humans; Research; Risk Factors