Drugs in blood samples from unconscious drug addicts after the intake of an overdose

Int J Legal Med. 1996;108(5):248-51. doi: 10.1007/BF01369819.

Abstract

This investigation includes whole blood samples from 53 drug addicts found unconscious in the Copenhagen area with evidence of a heroin overdose. Heroin/morphine was detected in 85% of the patients and other opioids in 11%. One or more benzodiazepines, most often diazepam, were detected in 75% of the patients. A blood alcohol concentration higher than 1.00 mg/g was detected in 57% of the patients. Methadone was detected in seven patients, ketobemidone in four, amphetamine in five and cocaine in one. This investigation showed widespread multi-drug abuse and heroin/morphine alone was detected in only one patient. As indicators of heroin intake, 6-mono-acetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine were detected in this investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Denmark
  • Drug Overdose / blood*
  • Female
  • Heroin / pharmacokinetics*
  • Heroin / poisoning
  • Heroin Dependence / blood*
  • Heroin Dependence / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / pharmacokinetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Health Units
  • Morphine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Morphine / poisoning
  • Morphine Derivatives / pharmacokinetics
  • Unconsciousness / blood
  • Unconsciousness / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Morphine Derivatives
  • Heroin
  • Morphine
  • 6-O-monoacetylmorphine