Drug use: Number of drug deaths dropped slightly

In Germany, 1,272 people died last year from the consequences of their drug use. However, only people who took banned substances were counted.

Drug use: Number of drug deaths dropped slightly

The number of drug deaths in Germany has fallen slightly again for first time since 2012. Due to consumption of illicit substances, 1,272 people died last year, almost five percent less than 2016, as federal government's drug commissioner, Marlene Mortler, shared in Berlin.

Thus, about 85 percent were men. Overall, average age of drug deaths rose from 38 to 39 years. The most common cause of death with 707 cases continued to be poisoning with opioids such as heroin and morphine. On or hand, cocaine and cracking increased to a total of 87 deaths.

Mortler said that decline was better than an increase in overall development. However, this is no reason to rejoice. The current number is still for immense suffering and 1,272 ways of life that were different from what was desired. It is still necessary to have a dedicated preventative work. "It is important that people who are sick are still reaching far earlier than before."

The number of drug deaths is limited only to those people who have died from direct consequences of banned psychoactive substances. The consequences of legal drugs remain main problem in Germany, especially cigarettes. About 110,000 people die every year in Germany on consequences of smoking, 74,000 on direct and indirect consequences of alcohol. Excessive drinking not only harms health: under influence of no or drug, so many crimes are committed and so many accidents occur in road traffic. 1.3 million people are addicted to alcohol, 9.5 million exaggerate it on a regular basis.

And what do you take? Time Online reported in series Global Drug Survey on drugs in everyday life. We have just published exclusive results from world's largest drug survey of same name.

On Zeit.de/drogen you will find more information about risks of drugs. All reports, background pieces and tips in dealing with alcohol, cannabis and or drugs.

Date Of Update: 16 May 2018, 12:02
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