The patients of self-poisoning at 3 Newcastle Hospitals were studied. It was found that: 1) Peak of self-poisoning for both sexes was 20-24 yrs old 2) Female:Male ratio was 2:1 3) Most commonly used drugs was benzodiazepines, followed by barbituates. The high use of barbituates indicate that MD’s continue to prescribe this drug despite known hazards & safer alternatives. Also paracetamoc is discouraged due to its potentially lethal effects especially with other compounds. (EP)