Drug deaths register launched

THE number of people dying indirectly from drug use is to be recorded in a register launched yesterday.

The National Drug-Related Deaths Index will include people who die directly, and indirectly, from drugs.

“The register will provide an accurate estimate of people who die directly from drugs and an accurate estimate of people who die as a result of the consequences of drug use,” said Dr Jean Long of the Drug Misuse Research Division of the Health Research Board.