THE IMPACT OF DRUG-RELATED DEATHS ON MORTALITY AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS IN MADRID

The trend from 1983 to 1990 of drug-related mortality (defined as the sum of deaths from acute drug reactions and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] in drug users) among the population 15 to 39 years of age in Madrid, Spain, was studied and compared with mortality from all causes. All of the mortality rates increased from 1983 to 1990: all causes, from 101/100 000 to 148/100 000; acute drug reactions, from 3/100 000 to 15/100 000; and AIDS, from 0 to 20/100 000. Drug-related mortality represented 60% of the increase in the rate from all causes in males and 170% of the increase in females. The increases in drug-related mortality are likely to continue in the future.