A study of methadone in fatalities in the Strathclyde region, 1991-1996

There was a substantial increase in the percent of drug screens testing pos itive for methadone between 1991 and 1996 in the Strathclyde region of Scot land. Seventy-nine per cent (n=136) of these deaths were drug-related, invo lving methadone either alone or in combination with other drugs such as dia zepam, temazepam, alcohol and morphine. The involvement of methadone in the majority of these fatalities was due to diversion of legitimate supply. Th is paper highlights the dangers of resuming methadone consumption following a period of abstinence or when taken in combination with other drugs.