NCJ Number
196926
Journal
Addiction Volume: 97 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 963-967
Editor(s)
Susan Savva
Date Published
August 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This exploratory study estimated the range and severity of heroin overdose related morbidity in Australia.
Abstract
Due to a broad range of overdose-related morbidity along with a high rate of non-fatal overdose it has been suggested that there is likely a large burden of morbidity associated with overdose in heroin users. This study attempted to examine the nature and extent of overdose-related morbidity among a large sample of heroin users. Using a cross-sectional survey, a sample of 198 heroin users in the Sydney, Australia region participated in a structured interview that examined demographics, drug use, history, personal experience with heroin overdose, and personal experience of morbidity arising from an overdose. They were asked how many times they had overdosed, how long since they had last overdosed, and if they had ever been administered the opioid antagonist naloxone. Findings reported no meaningful differences between treatment and non-treatment groups. Further findings indicated that the experience of overdose-related morbidity was common and that extensive morbidity was associated with non-fatal heroin overdose. References