This article reports on a retrospective analysis of 1989 data obtained from 3 independent agencies in Glasgow, Scotland. The 51 identified deaths represent a mortality rate of 0.54% in the estimated population. The data revealed a far greater annual number of all cause deaths among injectors than expected. Main causes of death in the future will likely continue to be overdose & suicide. In Glasgow, it is unlikey that AIDS will have much impact on mortality among drug injectors. (13 Refs.)