Rates, characteristics and circumstances of methamphetamine-related death in Australia: a national 7-year study

Aims To (1) assess trends in the number and mortality rates of methamphetamine-related death in Australia, 2009–15; (2) assess the characteristics and the cause, manner and circumstances of death; and (3) assess the blood methamphetamine concentrations and the presence of other drugs in methamphetamine-related death. Design Analysis of cases of methamphetamine-related death retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Setting Australia. Cases All cases in which methamphetamine was coded in the NCIS database as a mechanism contributing to death (n = 1649). Measurements Information was collected on cause and manner of death, demographics, location, circumstances of death and toxicology. Findings The mean age of cases was 36.9 years, and 78.4% were male. The crude mortality rate was 1.03 per 100 000. The rate increased significantly over time (P