Figures show that drug deaths rose sharply in England and Wales to reach record numbers last year.
There were 2,917 deaths from illicit drugs in 2018, the Office of National Statistics said, a rise of 17%. Most deaths were due to opiates such as heroin, but cocaine deaths doubled in three years and MDMA deaths were also at their highest ever level. But, in total 4,359 people died due to drug poisoning last year, the ONS claims. This includes accidental overdoses and suicides from medicinal drugs, as well as people who used drugs recreationally.
It’s been revealed treatment programmes for opioid addicts have been cut.
The North East had the highest death rate in England, while London had the lowest. Deaths from new psychoactive substances and “legal highs” doubled in a year to 125, following a fall the previous year. MDMA deaths rose from 56 to 92 also.
According to Professor Alex Stevens from the University of Kent, who serves on the government’s advisory council on the misuse of drugs, there has been a 47% increase in deaths from drug poisoning since 2013.
Provided by BBC.
