Catalonia records record 308 overdose deaths in 2024

Catalonia recorded 308 overdose deaths in 2024, the highest number since 2017 and the first time the figure has exceeded 300. Of these deaths, 215 involved men and 93 involved women, with an average age of 50.5 years.

In the Lleida region, overdose deaths rose by 67% compared to the previous year, reaching 20 fatalities. Data from the Department of Health indicates that 68% of the total overdose deaths in Catalonia occurred at home.

Analysis shows that 80% of the deaths involved more than one substance, with alcohol, hypnotics, and cocaine being the most prevalent. Opioids were detected in 36% of cases. Additionally, 57% of the deceased had recorded mental health diagnoses, particularly among women. The Department of Health attributed the rise in reported figures to methodological changes, such as including individuals over 65 and deaths where alcohol or antidepressants were the only detected substances.

Health officials emphasized that overdoses are preventable through rapid action and the use of naloxone. The Overdose Prevention Program included 64 participating centers in 2025, training 1,119 people.