The UK, as the "cocaine capital of Europe," currently accounts for ∼75% of all cocaine-related hospital admissions in Europe. This study aims to analyse the trends in cocaine-related deaths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland over 20 years (2000-2019). Deaths following cocaine use continue to rise despite its Class A drug listing in the UK. While underlying and external risk factors including polydrug use, cardiac complications and mental health can all contribute to the incidence of fatal drug toxicity following cocaine use, this study demonstrates that the risk of a cocaine overdose cannot be attributed to a specific blood concentration range. This is the first cocaine-related mortality study in these geographical areas.
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