Drug-related deaths at highest levels since records began

Drug deaths are at the highest levels since records began, data has suggested.

The number of people dying from drugs misuse has soared to 2,250 per year in 2014, almost triple the levels found when records began in 1993. The numbers have been increasing since then, with continual upward spikes year-on-year since a momentary drop in 2012.

Of the deaths, the overwhelming majority died from accidental poisoning with the substances, followed by intentional poisoning and mental or behavioural disorders caused by using drugs.

Men are considerably more likely than women to die in this way, accounting for 72 per cent of all drug-related deaths, while women make up just 28 per cent.

The figures have been released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre as part of research exploring patterns in drugs misuse.

Ian Hamilton, a lecturer in mental health at the University of York specialising in the study of problematic drug and alcohol use, told The Independent that the rise may be due to lessening support for addicts, incurred by public health funding cuts. He said: “In part the rise in deaths is likely to be the legacy of substantial disinvestment in drug treatment following the £200 million pound cuts to the Public Health budget.

"This has resulted in de-professionalising the work force as providers compete with each other to provide the 'best value' services when tendering.”

He added the gender divide may be due to differing social roles performed by men and women, including responsibilities for childcare: “The gender difference is interesting and has been a consistent feature in those accessing treatment as well as those unfortunately losing their lives. I suspect not having direct responsibility for children could be a factor, as for women this is both a protective factor against risky drug use and also services are more likely to respond to mothers in terms of their statutory duty to protect children.”

The concerning figures fuel concerns that the government is fighting a losing battle in the war on drugs. In May of this year, controversial new legislation banning ‘legal highs’ came into force, amid concerns they could be as harmful as banned substances. The legislation was criticised for being too broad and unrealistic. However, the government has said it is necessary to protect people from serious addiction.

It is estimated that one in 3 adults has taken an illicit drug at some point in their life, with 8.9 per cent having done so in the last year and 5.2 per cent having done so in the last month.