SchizophreniaProject

Italian research highlights a clear seasonal recurrence in the deaths caused by illicit drug overdose.

This research, based on official data, underlines a seasonal recurrence in heroin overdose deaths in Italy, with peaks in August and in December-January, the latter coinciding with the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year. However the seasonal recurrence of deaths by overdose does not coincide with the seasonal recurrence of deaths by suicide of individuals in the same age group (14-44 year-old).

This research might have useful repercussions when studying preventive measures, given the high risk of overdose death within the population of drug-addict people.

Substance abuse and dependence impose high costs on society: the costs due to substance abuse are estimated to be as high as $100 billion per year, and those attributable to the years lost because of death by overdose are very high too.

Investments are therefore required and appropriate of both public health authorities and private companies involved in drug development and research.

References:

Marco Rocchi, Paola Miotto, Antonio Preti

Seasonal variation in suicides and in deaths by unintentional illicit acute drug intoxications.

Addiction Biology, 2004; 9: 255-263

Marco Rocchi, Paola Miotto, Antonio Preti

Distribution of deaths by unintentional illicit drug overdose in Italy based on periodicity over time, 1984-2000.

Drug & Alcohol Dependence; 2003, 72: 23-31

Antonio Preti, Paola Miotto, Monica De Coppi

Deaths by unintentional illicit drug overdose in Italy, 1984-2000.

Drug & Alcohol Dependence, 2002, 66: 275-282

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