Notes:

Absolute numbers from different countries are not directly comparable since differences remain in case definition and recording methods

The national definitions used to report to the EMCDDA and the methods used are described in Drug related deaths – methods and definitions.

National definitions usually refer to acute deaths directly related to drug consumption (‘overdoses’, ‘poisonings’ or ‘drug-induced’). Note that, in a few countries, the figures also include a limited number of cases of deaths indirectly related to drug use (e.g. AIDS, accidents with positive toxicology). See Drug related deaths – methods and definitions with national definitions. Note in addition that in some countries, statistics published at national level may differ from those presented here as a result of differences in case definition used at national level.

(1) Data from Greece refers to deaths under the age of 31. Only for years 2000-2002 and 2004 these numbers refer to deaths under the age of 25 years.

(2) Data refers to the five major cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza and Bilbao.

(3) United Kingdom (ONS): Definition used by Office for National Statistics (ONS) as data allow completion of the whole series.

(4) Data refers only to Bucharest.

See also 'General notes for interpreting data' on the Explanatory notes and help page.

Sources:

Reitox national reports 2005, taken from national mortality registries or special registries (forensic or police). Based on ‘National definitions’ as presented in Drug related deaths – methods and definitions.