North East has the highest death rate from drug poisoning in eleven years

The North East of England has had the highest number of drug poisoning deaths in the last eleven years.

Deaths from drug poisoning in the region were three times the lowest rate in London in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Across England and Wales, drug poisoning deaths have risen by 11% and are the highest since ONS records began in 1993.

Drugs charity We Are With You said the high rate was linked to deprivation. The government said it was “committed to tackling the problem of record numbers of drug-related deaths”.

Robin Pollard, head of policy at the charity, said: “People from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience trauma in early childhood, and this could make opiates, such as heroin, which help numb deep-seated emotions, more attractive.”

The North East had 174.3 deaths per million, compared to the English average of 90.8.

Clare Taylor, chief operating officer at Turning Point, a drug treatment provider, said the figures highlight the “urgent need to seriously tackle the drug-related deaths crisis”.

“All drug-related deaths are preventable,” she added.

The data also showed that around half of deaths in England and Wales involved an opiate, such as heroin or morphine, and that there was a large increase in cocaine-related deaths.

Simon Phillips, CEO of We Are With You, called on the government to “commit to tackling the root causes of why people have problems with drugs”.

He said: “We cannot stop drug-related deaths if people do not have a safe place to live, access to health and mental health services, and a safety net for when they need it.”

Minister for Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “This Government is committed to tackling the problem of the record numbers of drug-related deaths we have inherited, especially in more deprived areas.

“Through our mission-driven government, we will work with partners in health, policing and wider public services to reduce drug use and build a fairer Britain for all.”