England and Wales: Drug-Related Deaths in a Growing Crisis

England and Wales: Drug-Related Deaths in a Growing Crisis

The rise in drug-related deaths is a clear sign that action is needed. As these sad numbers keep increasing, experts are asking for changes to help save lives. Drug-related deaths in England and Wales have hit a record high, with 5,448 fatalities marking a 13th year of consecutive increases. This surge, the highest since records began in 1993, reflects an 11% rise from 2022, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.

Synthetic opioids like nitazenes are a growing concern, being far more potent than heroin. Dr. Steve Brinksman from Cranstoun warns that these figures might only be the “tip of the iceberg,” as many nitazene-related deaths are yet to be fully counted due to delays in testing.

Cocaine deaths have also spiked, increasing by 30.5% to 1,118, driven by greater drug availability. According to Brinksman, casual cocaine use is now routine for many social gatherings, exacerbating the crisis.

Key statistics show that almost half of drug poisoning deaths involve opioids, with those aged 40-49 being most at risk. The North East has the highest death rate, while London’s is the lowest. The use of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, has surged by 50%, highlighting the crisis’s severity. Victoria Atkins, Health and Social Care Secretary, stated, “Opioid addiction can ruin lives and is responsible for the largest proportion of drug-related deaths across the UK. We are working hard to reduce those numbers by expanding access to naloxone to save the lives of the most vulnerable” (Source).

Niamh Eastwood of Release calls for urgent policy reforms, including decriminalising drug possession and increasing safe consumption spaces. She emphasises, “This public health crisis is turning into a health catastrophe,” urging immediate government action to save lives. The Guardian highlights the growing concern, noting, “With overdoses creeping up and very little on-the-spot testing available in the UK, experts are concerned about how to keep drug users safe”.

Source: Big Issue

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