Understanding and preventing drug-related deaths

Publications

Understanding and preventing drug-related deaths

13 September 2016

There were two consecutive rises in registrations of drug-related deaths (DRDs) in England reported in 2014 (21%) and 2015 (17%), to the highest figures yet seen (ONS 2014 and 2015). Due to the typical delays in registering deaths, the increasing trend in DRDs actually started around early 2013.

Although these rises (which were chiefly in deaths associated with heroin use) could, in part, have been driven by a ‘cohort effect’ – from older, iller heroin users dying in increasing numbers – this did not completely explain the recent sudden increase in deaths.

Deaths also occurred across different age groups from different types of drug use in increasing numbers. There is also considerable geographical variation in the drug misuse deaths figures, with some regions and local areas showing large increases, but others seeing little change or slight falls.

Public Health England, with the Local Government Association, therefore convened a national inquiry to better understand the causes of the rises and how to reduce future premature deaths.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.