Suicide verdicts as opposed to accidental deaths in substance-related fatalities (UK, 2001-2007)

► Suicide among drug-related deaths can be characterised through a number of variables when compared with other causes of death. ► Suicide among drug-related were more economically disadvantaged and had more medical problems. ► Suicides among these deaths were positive at blood toxicological tests for psychotropic drugs, and fewer suicide victims than controls had positive blood toxicological results for illicit drugs, alcohol, and methadone.