Volume 13, Issue 4 p. 867-870
SHORT COMMUNICATION

Increase in drugs-of-abuse findings in post-mortem toxicology due to COVID-19 restrictions—First observations in Finland

Claudia Mariottini

Claudia Mariottini

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

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Ilkka Ojanperä

Ilkka Ojanperä

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland

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Pirkko Kriikku

Corresponding Author

Pirkko Kriikku

Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

Correspondence

Pirkko Kriikku, Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, Helsinki 00271, Finland.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 20 November 2020
Citations: 13

Abstract

A lot has been published on the anticipated effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic on users of illegal drugs. In this study, we present evidence-based data on such effects, namely, the increased number of drug findings in post-mortem investigations. All post-mortem toxicology cases positive for at least one of the following: buprenorphine, amphetamine or cannabis, were investigated in the first 8 months of the year 2020, and the monthly numbers were compared to those in the previous 5 years from 2015 to 2019. These substances served as indicator analytes that could reveal changes in the drug using population. Right after the government restrictions came into force in March 2020, the numbers of buprenorphine, amphetamine and cannabis findings increased. The increase was most noticeable for amphetamine and was evident in all age groups. Our findings indicate that the assumptions on the increased risk of drug-related harm (including death) have become reality. Reduced access to harm-reduction services seems to have increased the mortality among individuals that use buprenorphine, amphetamine or cannabis. Significant and prompt actions need to be taken in order to find new ways in helping this vulnerable group of people.