Cocaine-Related Deaths Reach Record High in the UK – Men’s Health

According to the Office for National Statistics, drug-related deaths across England and Wales have hit their highest levels since records began in 1993.

Last year, 4,859 people died from drug poisoning, with opiates remaining the biggest cause of deaths. Researchers have also seen a sharp rise in cocaine-related fatalities, a trend which began during the pandemic and has continued since.

In total, there were 840 deaths from cocaine use, and while that figure may seem relatively small in comparison to the overall number, its the sharp rise that is most concerning, increasing from 708 in 2019 to 770 in 2020.

Cocaine-related deaths are commonly linked to nightlife and partygoers, a part of our lives that was momentarily taken from us during the pandemic, which is why these numbers are somewhat of a surprise. However, according to Mike Trance, chief executive of the Forward Trust, an organisation that helps people break the cycles of addiction, being forced to stay in could be why usage was, and still is, on the rise.

I think the pandemic made things worse, says Trance. Most deaths are what we call deaths of despair people who are lonely, theyre using drugs in situations where they dont have support of other people to protect them. And that was definitely worse during the pandemic.

So, I think that does have an effect, and thats what we have to bear down on. We need to provide much better support and inclusion to people who are living very isolated, marginalised lives.

There are many reasons why people turn to drug use, but one things for certain, more support is needed and the rhetoric must change from drug addicts who have thrown their lives away to showing that there is hope out there and that society cares.

Dr David Bremner, group medical director at the Turning Point Charity, believes action must be taken now.

"If these were cancer deaths increasing at this rate, we would expect action at a certain pace that I believe we should expect the same for persons with addiction."

If you feel you need help, the NHS has a number of useful contacts as well as support groups local to you.

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Cocaine-Related Deaths Reach Record High in the UK - Men's Health