Drugs misuse deaths at lowest point in a decade

FIGURES SEE PRAISE FOR COUNCIL’S SUPPORT FOR ADDICTS

Local Democracy Reporter

NEW data published by the Office for National Statistics has shown that Northumberland now has the lowest rate of drug misuse deaths in a decade.

The figures, published in December, showed that the rate of drug misuse deaths in the county stands at 4.5 per 100,000 residents.

This is significantly lower than both the national average (5.2) and the North East average (9.7).

The North East has the highest levels of drug-related deaths of any region in the country. Nationally, the ONS data showed that the average age at death for drug misuse deaths in 2022 was 44.5 years for males and 46.5 for females.

Work carried out by Northumberland County Council and partner agencies has been praised in the wake of the figures’ release. The county’s Drug Strategy aims to reduce rates of fatal drug overdoses by having more treatment and recovery resources in the county.

In a statement, the council said that drug use has a “devastating impact” on communities. It added: “By focusing on supporting people to stop people taking harmful substances and to recover from their addictions, it will prevent those most at risk from dying from overdoses.”

Coun Veronica Jones, Northumberland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “Tackling drug-related deaths is a huge priority for us. The North East continues to have the highest rates of deaths relating to drug poisoning and drug misuse of all England’s regions.

“Northumberland now has the lowest drug misuse deaths in the NE and the lowest rate in our county for 10 years, and this is testament to all the hard work carried out in recent years.

“We are working hard to ensure there are clear pathways for drug treatment needs, and for other associated needs like physical health, mental health and housing.

“If anyone would like help, advice or support, they should contact their GP or contact the Northumberland Recovery Partnership on 01670 396303.”

Money from the Northumberland County Council’s Public Health Grant pays for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) in partnership with Humankind to deliver the Northumberland Recovery Partnership.

Graham Tully, Senior Peer Supporter at Northumberland Recovery Partnership (NRP), said: “As an ex-heroin addict my experience of drug services was radically different to what is available now.

“I am blown away by the dedicated service and range of professionals and advice available, such as clinical staff who specialise in addictions, recovery co-ordinators, physical health nurses, doctors working solely in addiction, peer supporters, housing support and a respiratory clinic.

“What impresses me the most is the care, compassion and nonjudgemental attitude of the NRP to really reach out to people in the grip of addiction and make them a partner in their recovery.”