Characterizing Unintentional Nonillicit and Illicit Drug-Related Deaths

This study characterized individuals dying from illicit and nonillicit drug overdoses in Utah. Data were gathered from medical examiner records, death certificates, and next-of-kin interviews, 2008-2009. Among 374 decedents, 92 (25%) involved illicit drugs, 244 (65%) involved nonillicit drugs, and 38 (10%) involved a combination of both as the cause of death. Nonillicit compared with illicit drug-related decedents were more likely older, married, and of normal or overweight, and had a history of chronic pain. Nonillicit drug-related decedents were less likely to have had a history of alcohol and/or illicit drug use. Nevertheless, most decedents in both drug categories had a history of alcohol drinking and illicit substance use. Several psychological maladies characterized both illicit and nonillicit decedent cases, with a majority experiencing past anxiety, sadness, pain, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, hopelessness, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Impulsive tendencies and mood swings were more common in illicit drug-related deaths.