Mortality and cause of death among 1705 illicit drug users: a 37 year follow up

Abstract

Introduction and aims: To examine the overall mortality and causes of deaths of a large cohort of users of illicit drugs in Stockholm over 37 years.

Design and methods: People with substance abuse were identified through records collected by different institutions in Stockholm in 1967. Subjects were followed in registers recording mortality and cause of death and in-patient care stays until 2003.

Results: More than half (n = 860) of the 1705 identified substance abusers died at an average age of 47 years, 25-30 years younger than the general population. The standardised rate ratio (SRR) for mortality was 3.3 among men and 3.5 among women. Incidence of mortality per 1000 person-years was also increased, but somewhat lower for women. The difference between these two measures is mainly explained by a lower mortality among women in general. In-patient care stays with both alcohol and drug-related diagnoses were associated with higher risk of dying among women than men: SRR = 14.5 and SRR = 4.0, respectively. Accidents and suicide were the most common cause of death among the youngest subjects (15-24 years) and cardiovascular diseases and tumours among the oldest (> or =55 years).

Discussion and conclusions: Accidents and suicide, especially at a young age, are two common causes of death that might be prevented by increased awareness in medical personnel, along with better treatment and supportive measures.