DRUG-RELATED DEATHS AND MORTALITY OF DRUG USERS IN TURKEY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to overview of the drug-related deaths and mortality of drug users in Turkey. The authors try to analyze previous years’ data (location, gender, drug types, and nationality) on drug related deaths (2007-20015). Special attention is given to synthetic cannabinoids, which have been increasing trend since 2011. Data on drug-related deaths were collected from Turkish Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction in order to analyze the Turkish situation. In addition to statistical data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with some of the forensics experts working in this field. This study shows that a significant increase has been identified on drug related deaths for the last years in Turkey. Research on drug related deaths needs to be conducted in order to analyze the reasons of mortality of drug users. Also, data collection system in Turkey needs to be developed.