Drug, Alcohol Deaths on The Rise

Drugs remain among the region's top killers

By Kristina Davis, Reporter - Public safety
Originally published July 7, 2011 at 4:24 p.m., updated July 7, 2011 at 4:43 p.m.

Where to get help

• For referrals to alcohol and drug treatment programs or mental health counseling, call the county’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339 or visit sdads.org.

• County-funded treatment is available regardless of income.


Drug and alcohol deaths in 2010

Alcohol: 132

Methamphetamine: 117

Heroin: 71

Methadone: 53

Oxycodone: 48

Source: Medical Examiner’s Office

SAN DIEGO — The number of people in the county dying of drug and alcohol intoxication continued to rise last year, with heroin and methamphetamine scoring as the top killers of teens in that category, according to data the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office released Thursday.

Six teens died from acute heroin intoxication and one died of heroin withdrawal in 2010 — more than in the past 10 years combined, said Deputy Medical Examiner Jonathan Lucas.

“Heroin is back,â€