Service records 20 drug / drink related deaths

TWENTY people in Halton using a resource helping those with drug and alcohol problems died in a year.

Halton Borough Council’s safer policy and performance board is due to be presented with information on the work carried out by the area’s Integrated Substance Misuse Service (CGL).

A report published ahead of the meeting said the service offers rapid and open access to assessment and treatment for people experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol.

It also promotes recovery from addiction and dependence on substances.

The report said between the start of April 2016 and the end of March 2017, 20 people who used the service died, 11 of whom lived in Widnes and nine in Runcorn.

Of these, 18 of the deceased were male and an investigation found the deaths were at its highest in the 45 to 54 age range.

The documents said of the 20 people who died and were using the service, 10 were accessing support for alcohol use.

Five were seeking support over opiate use, with one each for opiate and cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamine respectively.

A further two people required help for alcohol and cocaine.

The report said: “Halton Integrated Recovery Service has witnessed a significant increase in complexity of need for alcohol service users.

“A number of alcohol deaths had been referred to the service whilst in hospital accessing treatment for acute health needs.

“From the investigation CGL have established that better liaison with the local hospitals is required to establish whether or not their physical health is their primary presenting issue and if recovery-orientated services are suitable at that time.”

The presentation will be made at a meeting in Runcorn Town Hall on Tuesday, February 20.