Rise in deaths attributed to painkillers
THE number of deaths from illicit use of tranquilisers and painkillers is on the rise in Cornwall, new figures show.
While Cornwall Council has insisted the number of deaths from drug poisoning had decreased slightly last year, the number of deaths from painkillers and tranquilisers has risen dramatically.
The number of people dying due to drugs in Cornwall has almost tripled in the last 30 years, with the increase being described by drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You as “deeply concerning”.
According to figures from the Office of National Statistics across Cornwall, there were 53 deaths relating to drug poisoning registered in 2021. By comparison, 48 drug related deaths were recorded in 2020 and there were just 19 in 1993, when records began.
Among the deaths were 34 due to drug misuse. For deaths to be classified as drug misuse, the underlying cause of death needs to be drug abuse or drug dependence and/or any of the substances involved being illegal. That number was up from 32 in 2020. The 53 registered in 2021 was also the highest number of drug misuse deaths on record. Cornwall Council insisted that the number of drug-related deaths recorded in Cornwall had slightly decreased overall but expressed concern about the rise in painkiller and tranquiliser use.
Each year, Safer Cornwall’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team carries out a review into each drug-related death in the county to identify any learning to help prevent future deaths.
The review found that 12 deaths (31.6% of the total number of drugrelated deaths and an increase of 9.1% from 2020) involved illicit benzodiazepine (sedative) drugs. These are new illegally produced benzodiazepine drugs or other benzodiazepine drugs which are not available lawfully in the UK.
Sid Willett, drug-related death prevention lead at Cornwall Council, said: “Last year our review highlighted that illicit benzodiazepine drugs are becoming an increasing problem in Cornwall.
“This year we have again seen that they have featured in more drugrelated deaths. We are looking at how we can reduce the harm caused by these drugs and to help drug users recognise the dangers of these substances, which can be fatal, particularly when combined with alcohol and other drugs. We urge anyone who needs help to tackle drug issues to reach out for support.”
Cllr Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “While it is encouraging to see a small reduction in the number of drug-related deaths in
Cornwall, this remains a high figure and we recognise the pain caused to family and friends who have lost a loved one due to substance use.
“Drug problems rarely exist in isolation. They often develop in response to the experience of multiple childhood trauma and, without help, end up impacting upon and being linked to homelessness, poor mental health, domestic abuse and crime. We will continue to work with our partners to support drug users to get the help they need.”