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238 deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Atlanta in 2002  

There were 238 drug abuse-related deaths in Metropolitan Atlanta in 2002.  The metropolitan Atlanta data include Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties and comprise about 64 percent of the population in the Atlanta metro area of 4,386,000.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 155 deaths, up from 136 in 2001.  There were 106 mentions of prescription pain medications, up from 79 in 2001.   Marijuana was associated with 42 deaths, compared to 18 in 2001.  

There were 35 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines, up from 15 in 2001.  There were 63 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications), up from 43 in 2001.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.  Return to list

600 Baltimore Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 600 drug abuse-related deaths in Baltimore City and five Maryland counties in 2002.  The Baltimore area data, which also include the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s, reflects 100 percent of the area’s population of about 2,602,000.

The data show that heroin/morphine was involved in 411 deaths, cocaine in 299 deaths, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 240 deaths. There were 236 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug abuse-related deaths recorded in the Baltimore area in 2002 was the highest noted in the last five years. The total for the previous year was 486.  Return to list

132 Birmingham Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002

There were 132 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Birmingham and surrounding Jefferson County, Alabama, in 2002.  The Birmingham area data reflect 71 percent of a total metro population of about 935,000.

The data show 89 mentions of narcotic pain medications, 66 mentions of antidepressants and 63 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications).  Cocaine was associated with 55 deaths.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 32 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug abuse-related deaths recorded in Jefferson County in 2002 was 67 percent higher than the 79 recorded in 1999, and also higher than the 110 drug-related deaths reported in 2001.  Return to list

419 Boston Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 419 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Boston and surrounding Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk Counties in 2002.  The data cover 75 percent of metropolitan Boston’s population of 5,356,000.

The Boston area mortality data show that there were 192 deaths involving heroin/ morphine and 121 deaths involving cocaine.  There were 176 mentions of narcotic painkillers. Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was noted in 114 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.The 419 drug abuse-related deaths for the area in 2002 exceeded the 374 deaths recorded in 2001 and was the highest total in five years.   Return to list

35 Boulder Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 35 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Boulder and surrounding Boulder County, Colorado, in 2002.  The Boulder area data reflect 100 percent of an estimated total metro population of about 279,000.

The data show that there were 11 mentions of narcotic pain medications, and nine mentions of antidepressants.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was noted in seven deaths, as was heroin/morphine.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

Heroin/morphine was mentioned in seven deaths, while cocaine was mentioned in five fatalities in Boulder County in 2002, the report continued.   The number of drug-related deaths for the area in 2002 was nearly double the 16 total reported the previous year, and the15 in 2000.    Return to list

167 Buffalo Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 167 drug abuse-related deaths in Buffalo and the surrounding New York counties of Erie and Niagara in 2002.  The Buffalo area data reflects 100 percent of the area’s population of about 1,163,000.

There were 169 mentions of narcotic painkillers associated with the deaths.  Cocaine was mentioned in 58 deaths, heroin/morphine in 52, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 47 deaths. Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

 The 167 drug abuse-related deaths recorded in the Buffalo area in 2002 were a substantial increase over the 128 deaths recorded in 2001.  Return to list

861 Chicago Area Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 861 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Chicago and five surrounding area counties in 2002, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced today.  The data are from a new report, Mortality Data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2002 (DAWN), which tracks deaths associated with drug abuse in a number of cities. 

The Chicago area data reflects 91 percent of an estimated total metro population of about 8,449,000, and include the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry.

The Chicago area mortality data show that 497 deaths involved cocaine, and 376 involved heroin /morphine.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was noted in 333 deaths. There were 185 mentions of narcotic painkillers associated with the deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

 The 861 drug abuse-related deaths for the area in 2002 exceeded the 854 noted for the previous year, but were lower than the 879 deaths reported in 1999 and 869 recorded in 2000.   Return to list

180 Cleveland Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002    

There were 180 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Cleveland and surrounding Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 2002.  The Cleveland area data reflect 61 percent of a total metro population of about 2.3 million.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 64 deaths, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 41 deaths. There were 57 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths, and 40 mentions of antidepressants.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug deaths recorded in Cuyahoga County in 2002 was slightly above the 176 noted for the previous year.  In 1998, only 108 drug-related deaths were reported.  Return to list

439 Dallas Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 439 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Dallas and a six-county metro area in 2002. The Dallas area data reflect 96 percent of a total metro population of about 3,743,000, and include the counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman and Rockwall.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 176 deaths.  There were 172 mentions of narcotic pain medications and 153 mentions of antidepressants associated with the deaths.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 118 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

There were 435 drug deaths recorded for all counties, except Rockwall, which did not provide data in 2001.  This 2002 total was higher than the 365 recorded in the previous year.  In 2000 there were 320 drug-associated deaths.  Return to list

284 Denver Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002

There were 284 drug abuse-related deaths in Denver and surrounding counties in 2002.  The Denver area data reflect 100 percent of a total metro population of about 2,187,000.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 108 deaths and heroin/morphine in 64 deaths. There were 94 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths. Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 86 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug deaths recorded in the Denver area in 2002 was lower than the 310 registered for the area last year, but still higher than totals for 1998, 1999, and 2000.  The area covered included the city of Denver, and Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties.  Return to list

842 Detroit Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 842 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Detroit and surrounding counties in 2002.  The Detroit area data reflect 95 percent of a total metro population of about 4,464,500.

The data show there were 410 mentions of narcotic pain medications involved in the deaths, 228 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) and 172 mentions of antidepressants.  Heroin/morphine was named in 328 deaths.  Cocaine was involved in 320 deaths, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 234 deaths. Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 842 total drug deaths recorded in the Detroit area exceeded the 729 deaths recorded in 2001 and is much higher than the 635 recorded four years earlier in 1998. The area covered included the city of Detroit, and surrounding Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties.  Return to list

258 Kansas City Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 258 drug abuse-related deaths in Kansas City and surrounding counties of Wyandotte, Kan., and Jackson, Mo., in 2002.  The Kansas City area data reflect 45 percent of a total metro population of about 1,828,000.

There were 100 mentions of antidepressants and 85 of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths.   Marijuana was involved in 77 deaths, while alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 80 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 258 total drug-related deaths recorded in the Kansas City area in 2002 was the same as recorded for the area last year, and higher than the 236 noted in 1998 or the 244 seen in 1999.  Return to list

376 Las Vegas Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 376 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County, Nevada.  The Las Vegas data reflect 88 percent of a total metro population of about 1,722,000.

There were 228 mentions of narcotic pain medications and 99 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) associated with the deaths.  Heroin/morphine was cited in 103 deaths.  There were 124 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines reported.  Cocaine was involved in 87 deaths, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 109 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug abuse-related deaths recorded for the Las Vegas area in 2002 exceeded the 273 deaths recorded in 2001 and 232 recorded four years before in 1998.  Return to list

83 Louisville Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002  

There were 83 drug abuse-related deaths in Louisville and surrounding Jefferson County, Kentucky, in 2002. The Louisville area data reflects 67 percent of the area’s population of about 1,040,000.

The data show that prescription medications are mentioned in association with deaths in many cases.  There were 65 mentions of narcotic painkillers, 35 mentions of  anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) and 26 mentions of antidepressants.  There were 22 deaths associated with cocaine and 33 with marijuana.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total of 83 drug-abuse related deaths recorded in the Louisville area in 2002 was lower than the 92 noted for the previous year;109 deaths were recorded in 2000.  Return to list

29 Died Due to Drug Abuse in Manchester in 2002  

There were 29 drug abuse-related deaths in the Manchester-Nashua area in 2002.  The Manchester-Nashua data include only Hillsborough County and represent about half of the area’s population of 796,000.  Return to list

162 Miami-Dade Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 162 drug abuse-related deaths in the Miami-Dade County metropolitan area in 2002.  The Miami data reflect 100 percent of the Florida area’s total metro population of about 2,332,600.

The data show that cocaine was the most frequent drug recorded in these drug deaths, with 125 deaths.  There were 69 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths and 65 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications).  

Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 70 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug abuse-related deaths recorded for the Miami-Dade area in 2002 showed a sharp reduction from the 239 noted last year, and is lower than the 185 deaths recorded in 1998 or the 167 deaths recorded in 1999.  Return to list

159 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Milwaukee in 2002  

There were 159 drug abuse-related deaths in Milwaukee in 2002. The Milwaukee data include Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties and represent about 86 percent of the Milwaukee metro area population of over 1.5 million.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 73 deaths, alcohol in combination with another drug was involved in 42 deaths, and heroin/morphine was involved in 32 deaths.  An anti-anxiety medication, diazepam, was mentioned in 25 deaths, methadone was mentioned in 25 deaths, and a narcotic pain medication, oxycodone, was mentioned in 24 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.   Return to list

169 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2002  

There were 169 drug abuse-related deaths in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2002.  The Minneapolis data include Hennepin, Ramsey, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Isanti, Scott, and Washington Counties in Minnesota and St. Croix County in Wisconsin, and include about 83 percent of the over 3 million population of metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The data show that alcohol used in combination with another drug was involved in 62 deaths.   There were 90 mentions of prescription pain medications associated with the deaths. Use of cocaine was involved in 30 deaths and heroin/morphine in 24.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The top five drugs mentioned by medical examiners were alcohol in combination with another drug, unnamed narcotic pain medications, cocaine, marijuana and heroin/morphine.  Oxycodone, codeine and methadone, all narcotic pain medications, were also in the top ten substances identified by medical examiners in Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Return to list

329 New Orleans Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 329 drug abuse-related deaths in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. John Baptist, and St. Tammany in 2002.  The New Orleans area data reflects 93 percent of the area’s population of about 1,337,000.

St. Bernard Parish did not report in 2001, so comparison data exclude this parish.  Without St. Bernard there were 295 drug-abuse related deaths in the New Orleans area in 2002. This 295 total exceeded the totals of 212 in 2001, 223 in 2000, 211 in 1999 and 175 in 1998.

The data show that prescription medications are mentioned in association with deaths in many cases.  There were 352 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths, and148 mentions of anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines).  Cocaine was involved in 101 deaths, heroin/morphine in 19, marijuana in 51, and alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 90 deaths.  Since many   fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.  Return to list

244 Newark Area Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 244 drug abuse-related deaths in the city of Newark and the surrounding New Jersey counties of Essex, Union, and Morris in 2002.  The Newark area data reflects 88 percent of a population of about 2,064,000.

There were 151 mentions of narcotic painkillers associated with the deaths.  Heroin/ morphine was named in 149 deaths.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 91 deaths, and cocaine in 127 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total of 244 drug abuse-related deaths recorded in the Newark area for 2002 was lower than the 304 noted for the previous year.  In 1998, only 203 drug abuse-related deaths were reported.  Return to list

894 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in New York in 2002 

There were 894 drug abuse-related deaths in Metropolitan New York City in 2002.  The New York data include Bronx, Kings, New York, Putnam, Queens, and Richmond counties and comprise about 87 percent of the 9.4 million population in the New York metro area.

The data show 641 mentions of prescription pain medications, including 169 mentions of methadone.  Thus, prescription pain medications were mentioned more often than any other drug category in New York.  Cocaine was involved in 421 deaths and heroin/morphine was involved in 224 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The top five drugs mentioned by medical examiners in New York were cocaine, unnamed narcotic pain medications, alcohol in combination with another drug (303 mentions), heroin/morphine and methadone.  Return to list

28 Died Due to Drug Abuse in Norfolk in 2002 

There were 28 drug abuse-related deaths in the Norfolk area in 2002.  The Norfolk data include Norfolk City, Portsmouth City, and Virginia Beach City and included about 48 percent of the 1.6 million population of Norfolk and its environs.   Return to list

66 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Omaha in 2002  

There were 66 drug abuse-related deaths in metropolitan Omaha in 2002.  The Omaha data include Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties and comprise about 85 percent of the total population of 734,000 in metropolitan Omaha.

There were 22 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths and 27 mentions of antidepressants.  Marijuana was involved in 19 deaths and cocaine in 10.  Alcohol in combination with another drug was involved in 17 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

Marijuana, alcohol in combination with another drug and methamphetamine were among the top drugs mentioned by medical examiners in Omaha.  Return to list

820 Philadelphia Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 820 drug abuse-related deaths in Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania / New Jersey metro area counties in 2002.  The data reflects 90 percent of a total metro population of about 5,149,000 in Philadelphia city and county, and the counties of Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester in New Jersey.

Cocaine was involved in 352 deaths, and heroin/morphine in 321 deaths.  There were 440 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths, 266 mentions of benzodiazepines and 192 mentions of antidepressants.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 275 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The total drug deaths recorded for the Philadelphia was lower in 2002 than the 811 deaths mentioned the previous year, or the 874 recorded in 2000.

Bucks and Chester Counties did not report in 2001, so comparison data exclude these two counties.  Without Bucks and Chester there were 784 drug abuse-related deaths in the Philadelphia area.  This total was lower in 2002 than the 811 deaths mentioned the previous year, or the 874 recorded in 2000.  Return to list

516 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Phoenix in 2002  

There were 516 drug abuse-related deaths in metropolitan Phoenix in 2002.  The Phoenix data includes Maricopa County and include about 94 percent of the population of 3.5 million in the Phoenix metro area.

The data show that methamphetamine and amphetamines were reported 244 times in relation to drug abuse deaths.  There were 217 mentions of prescription pain medications.   Cocaine was involved in 209 deaths and heroin/morphine was involved in 169 deaths.  Alcohol in combination with other drugs was reported in 190 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.  Return to list

141 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Portland Region in 2002 

There were 141 drug abuse-related deaths in Portland in 2002.  The Portland data includes Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties and includes about 75 percent of the population of over two million in the Portland metropolitan area. 

The data show that heroin was involved in 74 deaths, and cocaine was involved in 48 deaths.  There were 60 mentions of  prescription pain medications and 32 mentions of methamphetamines and amphetamines.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.  Return to list

69 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Salt Lake City in 2002 

There were 69 drug abuse-related deaths in metropolitan Salt Lake City in 2002.  The Salt Lake City data include Davis and Salt Lake counties and comprise about 85 percent of the Salt Lake City metro area population of 1,372,699.

The data show that cocaine was involved in 19 deaths and heroin/morphine in 24.  There were 40 mentions of prescription pain medications associated with the deaths and 8 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The top five drugs mentioned by medical examiners in Salt Lake City were heroin/morphine (24 mentions), cocaine (19 mentions), oxycodone (13 mentions), methadone (10 mentions) and the anti-anxiety drug, diazepam (9 mentions).   Return to list

376 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in San Diego in 2002 

There were 376 drug abuse-related deaths in San Diego in 2002, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced today.  The San Diego data include 100 percent of the San Diego area population of 2,906,660.

There were 131 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamine associated with the deaths, 123 mentions of narcotic pain medications, and 119 mentions of antidepressants.  Alcohol in combination with another drug was involved in 104 deaths.  Use of heroin/morphine was involved in 102 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 376 drug abuse-related deaths for 2002 represent an increase from the 312 recorded in 2001.  The total is the highest in five years, with 336 deaths reported in 1998, 356 in 1999 and 360 in 2000.  Return to list

212 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in San Francisco in 2002 

There were 212 drug abuse-related deaths in San Francisco in 2002.  The San Francisco data include Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties and reflect 100 percent of the San Francisco metropolitan area’s population of 1,715,000.

The data show there were 73 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines associated with the deaths and 125 mentions of narcotic pain medications.  Heroin/morphine was involved in 95 deaths, and cocaine was involved in 90 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 212 drug abuse-related deaths in 2002 reflect a 41 percent decrease in drug deaths in San Francisco since 362 were recorded in 1999.  Return to list

250 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Seattle in 2002 

There were 250 drug abuse-related deaths in Seattle in 2002.  The Seattle data include King and Snohomish counties and reflect about 97 percent of the Seattle area population of 2,468,601.

The data show that there were 133 mentions of prescription pain medications associated with the deaths and 91 mentions of antidepressants.  Cocaine was involved in 95 deaths and heroin/morphine in 82 deaths.  There were 20 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 250 drug abuse-related deaths recorded in 2002 are higher than the 188 reported in 2001 and are close to the 251 deaths recorded in both 1998 and 1999.  In 2000 drug abuse related-deaths totaled 264.  Return to list 

298 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in St. Louis in 2002  

There were 298 drug abuse-related deaths in metropolitan St. Louis in 2002.  The St. Louis data include Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis Counties and St. Louis City in Missouri, and Clinton, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois.  The data reflect about 86 percent of the St. Louis area population of 2,657,098.

There were 123 mentions of narcotic pain medications associated with the deaths and 13 mentions of methamphetamine/amphetamines.  The data show that alcohol used in combination with drugs was involved in 96 deaths.  There were 93 deaths involving cocaine associated with deaths.  Use of heroin/morphine was involved in 73 deaths and marijuana in 46.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 298 drug abuse-related deaths in 2002 exceeded totals reported in the past five years.  Drug-associated deaths totaled 231 in 1998, 262 in 1999, 234 in 2000, and 264 in 2001.  Return to list

28 Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in Somerset County in 2002

There were 28 drug abuse-related deaths in Somerset County, New Jersey in 2002, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced today.  The data are from a new report, Mortality Data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2002 (DAWN), which tracks deaths associated with drug abuse in a number of cities. 

129 Suffolk Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002 

There were 129 drug abuse-related deaths in Suffolk County, N.Y. in 2002.  The Suffolk data reflect 52 percent of Long Island’s total metro population of about 2,803,000.

There were 96 mentions of narcotic pain medications, 59 mentions of benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications), and 61 mentions of antidepressants associated with the deaths.   Heroin/morphine was cited in 54 deaths and cocaine in 51 deaths.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 47 deaths. Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 129 drug deaths recorded for Suffolk County in 2002 exceeded the 111 who died 2001 and the total of 88 four years before in 1998.  Return to list

254 Washington Area Deaths Due to Drug Abuse in 2002   

There were 254 drug abuse-related deaths in the District of Columbia and surrounding counties in 2002.  The Washington area data reflect 91 percent of a total metropolitan population of about 5,162,000, and include the District of Columbia, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford Counties in Virginia and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Manassas.

The data show there were 108 mentions of narcotic pain medications involved in the deaths.  Cocaine was involved in 108 deaths, while heroin/morphine was named in 86 deaths.  Alcohol-in-combination with another substance was cited in 99 deaths. PCP (phencyclidine) was also a frequently reported drug, found in 27 deaths.  Since many fatalities involve multi-drug use, there can often be more drug mentions than deaths.

The 254 drug abuse-related deaths recorded in the Washington area exceeded the 193 deaths recorded in 2001 and are the highest since 281 drug abuse-related deaths were recorded in 1998.  Return to list

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