Recently released data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show a frightening new record high for drug misuse deaths. England and Wales reached their highest recorded drug misuse deaths in a year.
A reported 4,859 deaths occurred in 2021 in England and Wales, which is a 6.2% increase from 2020. Of these deaths, approximately half were attributed to opiates, including heroin and morphine. In addition, deaths related to cocaine use also increased over sevenfold, from 112 deaths in 2011 to 840 deaths in 2021.
The question on everyone’s mind is the same – what is triggering such a startling number of drug misuse deaths? What can people do to help? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer for why people turn to opiates or other substances. However, you can help curb this massive increase in drug deaths by recognizing the signs of substance abuse and immediately getting your loved ones the help they need.
Opiate Use in the UK
Opiates are narcotics made using opium from the poppy plant. Opium acts as a powerful downer drug, leading to effects such as sedation, euphoria, intense pleasure, relaxation, and pain relief. While opium occurs naturally in the poppy plant, opiates can include natural and manufactured opium-derived drugs.
Opiates include drugs such as:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycontin
- Fentanyl
- Other painkillers
Statistics suggest that the two most prominent opiates involved in drug deaths in England and Wales are Heroin and Morphine, accounting for 1,213 deaths in 2021 out of 2,219 opiate deaths. Unfortunately, opiates are highly addictive, making it difficult to recover from substance use disorder without professional treatment.
In England, the opiate crisis is not as well-documented as it is in the United States. However, opium use and deaths from opium might also pose an issue for UK residents, especially those in higher deprivation communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic might have led to detrimental effects due to changes in healthcare. Whereas programmes were available previously to help people understand the dangers of opioids, the healthcare system focused its efforts on treating and preventing COVID-19 during the pandemic. Some studies now suggest this lack of access to healthcare providers and changes in the healthcare system during the pandemic might have inadvertently caused an increase in opioid use in the UK.
According to Paul Spanjar, a leading addiction treatment counsellor and CEO of the Providence Projects: “We’re noticing an increase in admissions and calls for those seeking help with opiates and ketamine since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Spanjar shared that, for the two quarters of 2022, opiate related admissions were up 15% YOY compared to 2021. A similar trend is emerging in Q3 heading into Q4.
Spanjar said, “With the cost of living and energy crisis on our doorstep, we are concerned that drug-related deaths and drug-related crime will increase significantly as we move towards 2023.”
Cocaine Use in Wales and England
Cocaine is another drug leading to more deaths in Wales and England. The steepest increase in drug use was from cocaine, which rose almost sevenfold and was responsible for 840 deaths in 2021.
Sadly, cocaine use also seems to be increasing among younger populations. Recent data from 2018 showed that the UK had the highest number of young cocaine users in Europe. In addition, the 2021 ONS found that powder cocaine was the third most commonly used drug, used by around 5.3% of young adults aged 16 to 24.
Cocaine is a powerful narcotic that is highly addictive. It is available in powder form, but users can also smoke it through crack cocaine. Powder cocaine and crack cocaine are considered Class A drugs, and both can potentially be lethal. Unfortunately, cocaine is the second most commonly used drug in the United Kingdom, only beat by cannabis.
Why are Drug Deaths on the Rise?
There are various reasons why drug use might be on the rise in the UK, including in England and Wales. Below are some reasons that might explain the concerning rising trend.
High Deprivation Levels
As stated earlier, evidence suggests that areas of high deprivation, meaning those with lower income and access to essential services such as healthcare, jobs, housing, and education, are at the highest risk of drug deaths and drug use.
While it is not known precisely how deprivation leads to drug use, studies suggest that drug use, such as heroin use, might be rampant in poorer communities due to established friends and social networks. Lack of resources to get help for addiction and the use of heroin as a commodity (due to poor economic opportunities) might also contribute to long-lasting addiction.
Increasing Mental Health Concerns
In the UK, mental health issues are on the rise, with the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) reporting that, as of March 2021, 24.5% of people reported psychological distress, compared to just over 20% of people in 2019.
Using drugs like cocaine and opiates might also be an easy way to escape everyday life and find peace from possible mental health disorders. Self-medication for mental health disorders is one of the main contributors to drug use.
Criminalisation and Negative Stigma
Some concerned citizens also believe the criminalisation of drug use might prevent people from seeking help for addiction. Unfortunately, few available programmes can help those in jail for drug-related offences get the support they need to achieve sobriety.
Negative stigmas about drug use, social exclusion, and fear of being labelled an addict might also prevent people from enrolling in treatment, according to representatives from Public Health Wales. It’s important to understand that the sooner someone enrols in treatment, the greater the outcome will be of them achieving sobriety and preventing overdose deaths.
Recognising the Signs of Substance Abuse
Before getting help for loved ones, it’s important to recognize the signs of substance abuse in your loved ones. Some signs of substance abuse that warrant further assistance for family and loved ones include:
- Spending money on substances despite a lack of income
- Continuing to use substances despite attempts to stop
- Loss of relationships with loved ones, trouble at school or at work
- Continuing to use substances despite it leading to negative health effects
- Changes in mood, such as mood swings, agitation, or increased depression
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even seizures
Getting Your Loved Ones Help
If you notice any of the signs and symptoms above, getting help for your loved one as soon as possible is the best way to prevent the escalation of substance use. Now, more than ever, getting your loved one help through addiction treatment might be the difference between life and death.