DRUGS IN BLOOD-SAMPLES FROM UNCONSCIOUS DRUG-ADDICTS AFTER THE INTAKEOF AN OVERDOSE

This investigation includes whole blood samples from 53 drug addicts f ound unconscious in the Copenhagen area with evidence of a heroin over dose. Heroin/morphine was detected in 85% of the patients and other op ioids in 11%. One or more benzodiazepines, most often diazepam, were d etected in 75% of the patients. A blood alcohol concentration higher t han 1.00 mg/g was detected in 57% of the patients. Methadone was detec ted in seven patients, ketobemidone in four, amphetamine in five and c ocaine in one. This investigation showed widespread multidrug abuse an d heroin/morphine alone was detected in only one patient. As indicator s of heroin intake, 6-monoacetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine were detec ted in this investigation.