Drug-related deaths in Preston increase by 78% since 2013 with experts calling for more support

Drug-related deaths in Preston are up by 78% over the last six years, according to the Office of National Statistics.
Drug-related deaths are on the riseDrug-related deaths are on the rise
Drug-related deaths are on the rise

Between 2017 and 2019, there were 48 drug-related fatalities in Preston, an increase from the 27 between 2013 and 2015 which averages out at an additional death every 36 days as a result of drug poisoning.

Since 2013, the North West as a whole has seen a 22% increase in drug poisoning deaths, with figures reaching a record high in 2017-19 as 2,037 people died as a result of drug-related poisoning. Men also account for 67% (1,375) of all drug poisoning deaths in the North West between 2017-19, a percentage which is on an upwards trend.

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That regional trend is mirrored in national statistics, with drug-related deaths in England and Wales having reached the highest number since records began back in 1993 according to analysis of ONS figures by drug addiction treatment experts UKAT, who are urging councils across the North West to invest in drug and alcohol treatment services to avoid more loss of life.

Nuno AlbuquerqueNuno Albuquerque
Nuno Albuquerque

“These ONS figures are saddening but unsurprising,” said Nuno Albuquerque, Group Treatment Lead at UKAT. “It is here in black and white, the situation is only getting worse for those most vulnerable in society.

“We must remember that these aren't just numbers; they're someone's mother, father, child, or friend who has lost their lives to drugs and we can't stress enough the value of investing in the treatment of addiction,” added Mr Albuquerque. “2020 has proven to be a difficult year for many. Some will undoubtedly turn to misusing drugs as a coping mechanism.

“Our fear is that these figures could tip off the scale in next year’s report unless councils here take proactive, preventative action today in order to save lives tomorrow.”

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Substances involved in the drug-poisoning deaths registered in the North West report have not been revealed by the ONS, but a UKAT national report confirmed that both legal and illegal drugs are accounted for in the rates.

Collectively, UKAT’s analysis of the National ONS data shows that, for the types of drugs that can be prescribed by GPs including Tramadol, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, antidepressants, Zopiclone, Benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and even Paracetamol, the death count in 2019 stood at 1,805.

This constitutes 40% of all drug deaths registered last year (4,393) and is significantly higher than the total collective number of deaths from the same drugs ten years ago, which stood at 1,360.

Analysis also shows that the number of deaths from illegal drugs such as cannabis in 2019 are the highest on record and that cocaine deaths rose for the eighth consecutive year to their highest level, accounting for 16% of all deaths across England and Wales last year.

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Help, support, and a free 24/7 live chat support service for drug abuse can be found at www.ukat.co.uk/drugs/v58/The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here: https://www.lep.co.uk/subscriptions

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