| NCJ Number: |
183943  |
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| Title: |
Drug-Related Deaths Among Recently Released Prisoners in the Strathclyde Region of Scotland |
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| Journal: |
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume:45 Issue:3 Dated:May 2000 Pages:649-654 |
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| Author(s): |
Alison Seymour B.S.; John S. Oliver Ph.D.; Marjorie Black Ch.B. |
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| Date Published: |
May 2000 |
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| Page Count: |
6 |
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| Type: |
Report (Study/Research) |
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| Format: |
Article |
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| Language: |
English |
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| Country: |
United States of America |
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| Annotation: |
This paper examines the dangers of resuming drug consumption following a period of abstinence. |
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| Abstract: |
A study of drug-related deaths in the Strathclyde region of Scotland during the period 1990-1997 discovered that known drug users who had recently been released from prison were at high risk of dying from a drug overdose. The majority of deaths occurred within 1 week of the release date, and polydrug use was prevalent. Morphine was the most frequently encountered drug, and it was found in combination with benzodiazepines in a significant number of cases. Alcohol was detected in approximately one-quarter of all cases, albeit at relatively modest concentrations, unlikely to cause death alone. When known drug users are released from prison in the West of Scotland, they are advised of the risks of overdose and are issued helpline numbers. This study highlights the fact that, despite the help offered, a significant number of individuals clearly resort to old habits without building up a tolerance. Table, figures, references |
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| Main Term(s): |
Police |
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| Index Term(s): |
Benzodiazepines; Drug abuse; Drug abuse in foreign countries; Drug effects; Drug overdose; Drug related fatalities; Forensic sciences; Scotland; Studies |
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| Note: |
*This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=183943 |
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