Some Observations Concerning Blood Morphine Concentrations in Narcotic Addicts

Blood samples from deceased narcotic addicts were analyzed for morphine, and the results form persons who died from narcotic addiction were compared with those from homicide victims. In most instances morphine was detectable in both types of death, and usually the values obtained were less than 30 microgram/dl. Narcotic addiction deaths involving only morphine, or morphine plus a combination of ethanol, quinine, or diazepam (Valium), were also evaluated. In some cases high quantities of ethanol were present, and death could be attributed to the combined CNS depressant effects of morphine and ethanol. The quinine levels would not normally be considered toxic, however, and it could not be ascertained that the quantity of this drug present contributed to death. Diazepam was present in elevated concentrations, and its depressant effect may have been a factor in some narcotic addiction deaths.