Most fatalities involve young men
One of the most serious indicators of the extent of the drug problem in Greece is the number of drug-related deaths, which showed an increase in 1990-2000 that was especially evident in the second half of the decade. Despite official prevention, suppression and therapy measures, the number of fatalities continued to rise, with 303 drug-related deaths in 2000. The vast majority (94 percent) of the victims were male, and 96 percent of them were Greek. Heroin continued to be the cause of death in virtually all fatalities. Of the 303 deaths in 2000, 299 were due to heroin overdoses, three to use of psychotropic substances and one to cocaine use. Of the 303 drug users who lost their lives, 51 were under 21 years of age, 130 were aged 21-30 and 122 were over 30. Most (288) were unmarried, 12 were married and one was divorced.Nearly all the deaths (82 percent) occurred in Athens or Thessaloniki.
