Development of complementary information to drug-related deaths statistics in Slovenia

Background
In 2021, National Institute of Public Health started to regularly monitor deaths, where forensic toxicological analyzes show the presence of illicit drugs or various psychoactive medicinal drugs (sedatives, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics…). Named as deaths with the presence of drugs cannot be included in the annual report according to the EMCDDA methodology (drug-related deaths), but represent important complementary information to drug-related deaths statistics. 
 
Methods
Autopsy results of forensic medicine data sheets with positive toxicological results as a source of information will be reviewed for 42 deaths in 2020, 67 deaths in 2021 and 77 deaths in 2022.
Trends will be provided for sociodemographic data, data on alcohol and involvement of main and associated drugs used, trends in polydrug use in deaths, causes and intents of death. Information about prior drug addiction treatment will be obtained where possible. Comparison of deaths with the presence of drugs data with drug-related deaths data will be made. 
 
Results
Results show most deaths are due to suicides, followed by accidents (especially traffic). 
Results will help to identify the characteristics of people with a higher risk of dying, and the particular circumstances surrounding deaths, in order to contribute to preventative work. 
 
Conclusion
Mental health problems and taking several drugs at the same time have a significant impact on mortality. Slovenia has high mortality rate in EU. With this review, an important inside on this problem will be obtained in terms of vulnerability of this population. The information will serve for layout of priorities for relevant Public health interventions such as screening for individuals who are at higher risk for suicide or overdose, adapting Guidelines for prescribing opioid analgesics, increase accessibility to counseling for endangered persons.