Region has worst drug death rate for 11 years

The north-east of England had the highest rate of drug-poisoning deaths in 2023

The north-east of England has had the highest rate of drug-poisoning deaths for the past 11 years.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the region's rates of deaths relating to drug poisoning was three times higher than the lowest rate in London in 2023.

Across England and Wales, the number of drug-poisoning deaths rose by 11% and is 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 gripping the problem of record drug-related deaths".

Robin Pollard, head of policy at the charity, said: "People from deprived backgrounds are more likely to have experience of early childhood trauma, and this can make opiates, like heroin, which help numb deep-seated emotions, more appealing."

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

Clare Taylor, chief operating officer at drug treatment provider Turning Point, said the numbers highlighted the "urgent need to seriously address the drug-related deaths crisis".

"All drug-related deaths are preventable," she added.

The data also found around half the deaths across England and Wales involved an opiate, such as heroin or morphine, and there was a large rise in the number of cocaine deaths.

Simon Phillips, chief executive of We Are With You, called on the government to "commit to tackling the root causes of why people have challenges with drugs".

He said: "We cannot stop drug-related deaths if people don't have safe places to live, access to health and mental health services, and a safety net for when they need it."

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: "This government is committed to gripping the problem of record drug-related deaths which we inherited, especially in more deprived areas.

"Through our mission driven government, we will work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and build a fairer Britain for all."