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- Brådvik, Louise, et al.
(author)
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Self-reported and observed heroin overdoses in Malmoe
- 2007
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In: Journal of Substance Use. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1465-9891 .- 1475-9942. ; 12:2, s. 119-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Object: The aim of the present study was to investigate the pattern of non-fatal heroin overdoses for men and women in Sweden, a country with late onset of heroin use. Material: Subjects were recruited through the Syringe Programme and the Addiction Centre in Malmoe. A total of 149 subjects were interviewed, 108 men and 41 women. They were asked about their social situation, experienced and observed overdoses and circumstances around them. Results: Overdoses were very common; 74% of the subjects had experienced at least one overdose. Almost all, 96%, had observed at least one overdose in others and 32% had witnessed a fatal overdose. Actions taken were often insufficient. A combination with other drugs, mainly benzodiazepine and alcohol and/or a lowered tolerance for heroin after visits in institutions contributed to the overdose in a majority of the cases. Men and women differed in that men used concomitant drugs more often and women more often took heroin alone. Conclusion: Self-reported and observed non-fatal heroin overdoses were more common than expected. Contributing factors were found in the majority of the cases. Pure overdoses were more common in women.
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