Drug use a big factor in deaths of homeless

SAR END Many homeless people are drug users

- BY SEAN MURPHY

SUBSTANCE abuse and mental problems are key issues in the history of homeless people's deaths, the country's main health researchers have warned.

Problematic substance use was recorded in the deaths of 86% of homeless tragedies, 33% of cases had mental health issues, and 48% were due to drug poisoning, according to the latest figures.

Opioids like methadone and heroin, benzodiazepines diazepam, plus alcohol and cocaine were the four main drugs of deaths from poisoning. Additionally, 20% of fatalities had a known history of injecting drugs, with 10% still injecting at the time of death.

The findings are published today by the Health Research Board in its annual report.