Rebound of overdose mortality in the European Union 2003-2005: findings from the 2008 EMCDDA Annual Report

Drug overdose is an important cause of death among young adults in Europe. According to data reported by Member States to the EMCDDA, many of the European Union countries reported a rebound in the numbers of overdose deaths in 2003-2005, following decreases in almost all reporting countries in previous years (2000 to 2003). Further investigations are needed in order to clarify the factor driving these increases and inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing these deaths.