Mortality, Causes of Death and Risk Factors for Death Among Primary Amphetamine Users in the Swedish Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This study examined mortality and predictors of death in 1,396 primary amphetamine users (85% males) who were interviewed with the Addiction Severity Index in the Swedish criminal justice system during 2000–2006 and followed through 2008. Forty-nine clients deceased (standardized mortality ratio 4.1 [3.0–5.4]), at least 84% of deaths were violent or drug-related (12% suicides), and Cox regression analysis indicated that death was associated with frequent use of sedatives and less frequent use of amphetamine. No female deaths were observed; death and male gender were associated in binary analysis. Implications for diagnostics and treatment are discussed.

Keywords :

• amphetamine
• mortality
• criminal justice
• sedatives
• stimulants

THE AUTHORS

Emmy Ericsson, MD, amphetamine addiction and physical comorbidity in substance use disorders.

Louise Bradvik, MD, PhD, suicidal behavior in melancholic and psychotic depression and substance use disorders.

Anders Håkansson, MD, PhD, mortality, psychiatric comorbidity, clinical course, and treatment in drug addiction.

GLOSSARY

• Addiction Severity Index (ASI): well-documented interview instrument for the assessment and description of problem severity in substance use disorders.

• Amphetamine: illicit drug with psychostimulant properties, typically associated with euphoria, increased activity, and increased heart rate.