Data were obtained through the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse on individuals whose principle cause of death was drug overdose. Specific data on gender, age, county of residence, occupation, time, and drug or combination of drugs causing death were abstracted from the death certificates filed with the Texas Department of Health. An analysis of the data indicated that mortality from barbiturates and tranquilizers declined over the 11-year period, whereas mortality from antidepressants remained high, but with variance through the years. Women were at higher risk than men for overdose mortality from antidepressants and to a lesser degree from tranquilizers, particularly in the 40 and older age groups. In the professional/technical occupation category, the mortality rates were the highest in comparison with other occupations as were the rates for the predominantly female housewife and clerical categories. Furthermore, the rates in 1985 and 1986 were twice as high for the metropolitan counties than for other counties. Suggestions are offered for preventive measures and directions of future research. 6 tables, 2 notes, and 18 references (Author abstract modified)