Methadone-related overdose deaths in rural Virginia: 1997 to 2003.

Aim: Nonmedical use of prescription drugs and poisoning overdose deaths related to prescription drugs are increasing. This article presents an in-depth description of decedents from rural southwestern Virginia, where methadone was identified on toxicology.

Methods: Cases for this study were derived from a population-based review of 893 drug-related deaths occurring from 1997 to 2003 in the Office of the Medical Examiner, Western District of Virginia.

Prescription drug fatalities among women in rural Virginia: a study of medical examiner cases.

Objective: To evaluate female drug overdose deaths from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Western Virginia (1997-2003) for demographics, medical history, toxicology results, and prescribed medications.

Design: Autopsy reports, death investigations, and hospital/physician notes were reviewed for 330 fatal drug poisonings among women. Data were evaluated with both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Opioid deaths in rural Virginia: a description of the high prevalence of accidental fatalities involving prescribed medications.

In rural Virginia, drug overdose deaths increased 300% from 1997 to 2003. Polydrug deaths predominate (57.9%) in this review of 893 medical examiner cases.