Age- and sex-related differences in patterns of drug overdose and abuse

Abstract

In a prospective study of 3546 patients with drug overdose and abuse, females outnumbered males in overdose 2:1 while males predominated in drug abuse 2:1. Half of drug abuse patients and 28% of overdose patients were under 21 years of age. In overdose the highest incidence rates were at ages 19–20 for both males and females (800 and 512 per 100,000 population, respectively). Relatively high proportions of females and patients over 60 were admitted to hospital. Females and youth of both sexes frequently ingested salicylates, while barbiturates and other sedatives were chosen more commonly by adult males. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly selected drugs among all age groups irrespective of sex. Concurrent ethanol use, especially among males of all ages, was frequently found. In drug abuse, the choice of benzodiazepines, ethanol, barbiturate, non-barbiturate sedatives, salicylates, other analgesics, cannabis and other hallucinogens were related to age. Cannabis and other hallucinogens were more prevalent among the younger age group and the remaining drugs more prevalent among the older. Our data show that drug overdose and abuse is a major health problem among the youth.