The paper presents statistical data regarding drug intoxications in Prague in the period 1997–2000. The data collection was performed by the Department of drug epidemiology, Center for Hygiene, of the Capital of Prague. This project is a part of European monitoring system and allows for evaluation of drug abuse in the Czech Republic within European context. Intoxications associated with drug abuse are considered as health risk index of separate drugs. During the last years there is an increased share of heroin intoxications as well as the total number of intoxications. The most affected age group consists of people from 20 to 24 years of age. There is an ongoing preference of intravenous route of drug application, associated with the highest health risk. This is also associated with the high occurrence of hepatitis B and C.

        Key words: drug intoxication – health risk index – intravenous route of drug application