Drug-related deaths in France in 2007: estimates and implications.

Compared with other European countries, France's low number of drug use-related deaths may appear enviable. Previous studies have suggested significant underreporting. The three official records listing drug-related deaths in France in 2007 were cross-checked. Different capture-recapture techniques were applied. The estimated numbers of drug-related deaths differ from the official figures. Different explanations and proposals to improve the recordings are consequently discussed. However, there are doubts as to the reliability of at least one of the records and the consequent accuracy of the proportion of overlapping cases. Estimates should be handled with caution and interpreted as upper bounds.