Drug poisoning deaths of under 30-year-olds – Key issues in the cause of death investigation documents

Drug-induced deaths, especially among young people, have been on the rise in Finland. The rate of drug-induced deaths under 30-year-olds has doubled in Finland since 2015. The proportion of under 25-year-olds dying of drug-induced causes is also one of the highest in Europe. A little research is available on this trend and related factors so far. 

In Finland, all sudden and unexpected deaths require an inquest into the cause of death led by the Police. This paper investigates all drug poisoning deaths (N=300) of under 30-year-olds in Finland between 2019-2021. The research material consists of the police investigation reports, forensic autopsy reports, post-mortem toxicological reports, and death certificates, and for a part of the cases, first response reports. The study applies a method of social autopsy in which all individual cases are scrutinized and common patterns leading to death identified. The study employs the concept of ‘risk environment framework’ (Rhodes 2002) and explores the physical, social, economic and policy environment in which the deaths occur. Based on the content analysis of the reports a data matrix was created. 

Most of the deaths were polysubstance poisonings of which the most common combination was opioid, benzodiazepines, other prescription drugs, and alcohol. Almost all the deaths occurred in private or residential homes and in most of the cases the deceased was not alone during the time of death. 

Furthermore, results concerning personal characteristics, risk behaviour, other situational factors around the death, reported comorbidity, and past treatment provided will be presented. Also, housing and possible serious life events will be explored. 

The study will provide insights on the characteristics and contextual factors of drug-induced deaths of under 30-year-olds. The results will help better identify suitable measures to prevent drug-induced deaths among young people.