Manners of Death in Drug-Related Fatalities in Florida.
To understand the mortality patterns among drug users and potential risk factors, we evaluated drug-related deaths reported to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission from 2001 to 2013, by substances, demographics, and manner of death. The annual drug-related fatalities increased by 57% from 2001 to 2013 (total n = 100,882); 51.8% were accidental, 7.9% homicide, 18.6% natural, and 19.6% suicide. The different manners of death exhibited distinct demographic profiles and drug composition. The gender gap was more prominent in homicide. Age ≥55 years was more closely associated with natural death and suicide. Age <35 years and central nervous system (CNS) stimulants including amphetamines and cocaine showed higher relative risks for accidental death and homicide, whereas CNS depressants including benzodiazepines, carisoprodol, opioids, and zolpidem were more strongly associated with accidental death and/or suicide. The findings aid in identifying populations more vulnerable to drug-related deaths, developing targeted interventions and thereby improving efficiency of preventive efforts.
UF Health Pathology Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Dayong
D
Lee
Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Child Health Policy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Chris
C
Delcher
Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Child Health Policy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Mildred M
MM
Maldonado-Molina
District Six Medical Examiner's Office, Largo, FL.
Jon R
JR
Thogmartin
UF Health Pathology Laboratories, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Bruce A
BA
Goldberger
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002423:Cause of Death; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000506:poisoning; D003643:Death; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013405:Suicide; D055815:Young Adult
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants
accidental deaths; drug-related mortality; forensic science; homicide deaths; natural deaths; suicide deaths