Drugs in blood samples from unconscious drug addicts after the intake of an overdose
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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-monoacetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine were detected in this investigation.
Key words
Drug addicts Drug-related emergencies Morphine 6-Monoacetylmorphine Addiction patternsPreview
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References
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