Increase in deaths from drug poisoning

Commenting on the latest figures from the ONS, which show a small but continued increase in the rate of deaths relating to drug poisoning in England and Wales, Alison Challenger, ADPH spokesperson for addiction and Director of Public Health for West Sussex, said:

“Today’s statistics are a stark reminder that the UK is in the midst of a drugs crisis. Not only are lives being lost, but the ripple effect of substance use also contributes to a wide range of other harms which have a significant impact on community safety, child protection, hospital admissions and social integration.

“Worryingly, increasing numbers of people are being sold synthetic opioids, and other adulterated drugs, which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin and mixed with any number of substances. As the figures show, the result can be tragic, with increasing numbers of overdoses and deaths among some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“It is important to remember though that these figures, although indicative of deaths registered last year, include deaths from the previous year. Since then, there have been a number of positive changes which, along with continued commitment to challenging stigmatising policies and attitudes towards people who use drugs, promise to help turn the tide.”

Ben Hughes, Chair of the English Substance Use Commissioners’ Group, added:

“Improving the availability of naloxone to a family member or friend of a person who is known to be using opiates – including potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl or nitazenes – or to an outreach worker working with people who use these drugs, was an important step to reducing opioid deaths.

“Greater access to rapid testing for seized drugs, as well as the Government’s support for more police officers to carry naloxone was also very welcome and marked another step forward. There has also been a concentration of funding following a long period of real-terms cuts and, just yesterday, the Government announced further investment which will be a significant boost to local services, which do the very best they can with limited resources and huge demand.

“Ultimately though, to reduce the numbers of people dying unnecessarily, we need to not only make sure that the right kind of support and treatments are available, but that people who use drugs are not put off seeking that support and that everyone, regardless of the why or how, can be protected from harm.”