The study encompassed 18,533 persons discharged from prison in 1998, 13,410 discharged in 1999, and 19,647 discharged in 2000. Due to missing relevant data on some of these discharges, the final sample consisted of 48,771 individuals. Of the deaths recorded in the sample over the study period, there were 261 drug-related deaths and 181 deaths due to other causes. For both men and women, high rates of drug-related death occurred in the first 2 weeks after release. The study sample had a much higher risk of death from any cause than people in the general population. This finding is consistent with other research that has shown a high risk of death for individuals with a high level of drug involvement and dependence; the use of injected drugs; the use of tranquillizers; and lower levels of social support and economic and social resources. Those in the sample with a history of injecting drugs immediately prior to entering prison and those with a long history of opioid dependence and polydrug dependence were at greater risk of drug-related death after release. The rate of drug-related deaths among individuals just released from prison could be reduced by timely and effective drug treatment while in prison, integrated with prerelease and postrelease planning and delivery of drug treatment services in the community upon release. Also, instruction for the family members of released inmates regarding the recognition and management of a drug overdose could prevent some deaths. Extensive tables and figures and 31 references