736 Drug Related Deaths in 2016

20 Mar 2019

More than two people died each day in Ireland during 2016 as a result of poisoning, trauma or medical causes linked to drug use according to the latest figures* from the Health Research Board (HRB).  A total of 736 people died in 2016 compared to 431 in 2004 - representing an increase of 71%.

Key findings – all deaths 2016

  • There were 736 deaths in 2016, similar to the number reported in 2015 (735).
  • Many of these deaths were premature – half of all deaths in 2016 were aged 42 years or younger.
  • 21,300 potential life years were lost** because of drug-related deaths.
  • Three-in-four (549) of all deaths were male.
  • A total of 34 (5%) deaths were among people who were injecting drugs and the majority 22 (65%) died in Dublin City   More information 

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