With You responds to new England & Wales drug-related death stats
August 2022
Today the ONS published new statistics showing the number of people who died of a drug related cause in the country during the calendar year of 2021.
The topline figures from the data are as follows:
- 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in 2021 in England and Wales, equivalent to a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people; this is 6.2% higher than the rate recorded in 2020 (79.5 deaths per million).
- Among males, there were 115.1 drug poisoning deaths registered per million in 2021 (3,275 deaths), compared with 54.1 deaths per million among females (1,584 deaths).
- 3,060 drug poisoning deaths registered in 2021 were identified as drug misuse, accounting for 53.2 deaths per million people.
- Rates of drug misuse death continue to be elevated among those born in the 1970s, often referred to as “Generation X”, with the highest rate in those aged 45 to 49 years.
- Approximately half of all drug poisoning deaths registered in 2021 involved an opiate (45.7%; 2,219 deaths).
- 840 deaths involved cocaine, which is 8.1% more than 2020 and more than seven times the amount recorded a decade ago (112 deaths in 2011).
- The North East continues to have the highest rate of deaths relating to drug poisoning and drug misuse (163.4 deaths per million people and 104.1 per million, respectively); London had the lowest rate for drug poisonings (47.6 deaths per million people), and the East of England had the lowest rate for drug misuse (27.4 per million).
Jon Murray, Executive Director of Services at drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You says:
“The number of drug-related deaths in England and Wales are deeply concerning. 4,859 people lost their lives last year. That's more than 13 people every single day. Behind each death are stories of people who have experienced extreme trauma and resilience, have been dealt a difficult hand and did their best to survive.
“Each one of these deaths is preventable and we know that with the right support, every person can recover. This is a very challenging day for our service users, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide help and support, and our thoughts are with them.
“It’s no surprise that drug-related deaths are highest in the most deprived areas of England and Wales. Too many people who need treatment and support aren't accessing it, and too many people are unaware of the potential harms of their drug use.
“We are absolutely committed as an organisation to doing everything we can to reduce these preventable deaths. We review every death regardless of the cause, and we use learnings from each and every one.
“As highlighted by Dame Carol Black, drug dependency is a chronic relapsing health condition. There are often several contributing factors with trauma and mental ill-health usually present. We know that the best way to get people the support they need, is by running drug and alcohol services that are collaborative and integrated. At our service in Redcar & Cleveland, for example, anyone can access everything from trauma informed drug and alcohol support, clinical treatment, domestic violence and rough sleeper programs all under one roof. Though we have launched peer-to-peer naloxone programs across our services, and now provide the option to receive Buvidal in all prescribing services, we know there is more we can do. Keeping people as safe as possible while they use drugs means drug testing, overdose prevention centres and heroin assisted treatment must be on the table in every part of the country where there’s a need.
“These figures are unacceptable. However, we believe that change is possible. The recent Government drugs strategy and investment are welcome, and with project ADDER starting to show benefits, we are starting to move in the right direction.”
“Whether you need advice for yourself or to support a loved one, visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk where you can speak online to a trained advisor for free and confidential advice.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information and spokespeople requests, please contact the With You press office - pressoffice@wearewithyou.org.uk / 07876032959
About With You
With You is a leading UK drug, alcohol and mental health charity. Each year we work with more than 100,000 people in over 120 locations across Scotland and England, providing a free and confidential service without judgement to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.