Opioid drug deaths in Western Australia: 1974 – 1984

Abstract

In Western Australia between 1974 and 1984 there were 108 deaths directly caused by opioid drugs. Heroin was a cause of death in only 11% of cases and morphine in a further 11%. Propoxyphene was the most frequently reported cause of death, accounting for 33% of cases. Methadone (18%) was the next most commonly implicated, particularly during the period when it had been widely prescribed for unsupervised use by addicts. A higher proportion of deaths occurred on a Saturday than on other days of the week. It is argued that more attention should be paid to licit opioids as causes of drug-related deaths.

Keywords:

• Narcotic dependence-mortality
• morphine dependence-mortality
• methadone
• propoxyphene
• Western Australia

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Greg Swensen

Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.