DRUG poisoning deaths have increased in Cumbria in line with national figures that are at their highest since records began 30 years ago, new figures show. 

The Office for National Statistics shows that in 2022, the number of deaths registered by drug poisoning in Cumbria stood at 72, compared to the previous year's figure of 65. 

In Carlisle, the figure has risen by five; in Allerdale by two; by three in Barrow, and by one in Copeland.

The Eden area and South Lakeland have decreased, however. 

Looking at the statistics, there has been a decrease in numbers from the peak in 2020, which could be attributed to the pandemic. 

Area manager at Recovery Steps Cumbria, Becky White, emphasised the need for a comprehensive health and social care approach to address the persistent challenge of drug-related deaths in the region as opposed to a criminal matter. 

“The statistics released by the ONS represent 72 people across Cumbria who have died of a drug-related cause," she said.

"It is important to remember that these individuals were someone’s child, sibling, parent or friend, and each death will have had a significant impact on the lives of many. 

“Whilst it's positive to see numbers coming down from the 2020 peak, where the pandemic played a significant role, this still constitutes a slight increase from last year's figures.

“High levels of drug-related deaths are a long-term, generational challenge. If the number of people dying is to decrease year-on-year, drug deaths must be treated as a health and social care crisis rather than a criminal matter."

 

Nationally, there were 4,907 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2022 - equivalent to a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people. 

There were 857 deaths involving cocaine registered in 2022, more than seven times higher than in 2011.

The North East continues to have the highest rates of deaths relating to drug poisoning and drug misuse. 

“We are proud to serve and advocate for our communities in Cumbria. Postcode and poverty levels remain major factors in drug-related deaths, however. If you live in the North East or North West, you are more likely to die as a result of drugs than people living elsewhere," Becky said. 

“The recent funding from the Government’s drug strategy has allowed us to start to rebuild the level of support we can offer.

"We must preserve the early good work that has occurred – such as our recent micro-elimination of hepatitis C in South Cumbria – with long-term, targeted funding. 

“As a society, we can only reduce these health inequalities by investing consistently in housing, mental health and substance use services where disparities are felt the most. 

“If you or someone you care about needs support, please reach out to us for free, confidential and non-judgemental support.”

Recovery Steps Cumbria – Humankind (humankindcharity.org.uk)