Waythrough CEO responds to rising drug related deaths

There were 5,565 deaths caused by drug poisoning across England and Wales, an increase of 2.1% from 2023. The rate of drug related deaths has more than doubled since 2012.

This statistic is made up of a shocking number of individual human stories of tragedy and grief.

Many of those deaths were preventable.

We will never stop working to prevent people dying from drugs, for as long as we are able. As a sector and a society, we should remember the people who have died and deepen our efforts to support those we serve.

To anyone struggling with their drug use right now – we are here for you and ready to support you if you want to reduce the risks you face or speak to someone who cares and won’t judge you. People who use drugs and alcohol are at the heart of our work and shape our services.

To our partners in government – we all agree that high quality evidence-based support saves lives and builds stronger communities. The implementation of Dame Carol Black’s recommendations has already led to more people being supported for drug and alcohol issues than at any point since 2009/10. We must keep going. The Drug Strategy rightly sets out a ten-year vision for reducing drug related harms, which must be sustained through adequate and protected funding.

Drug related deaths are driven by a clear pattern of geographical, socio-economic inequalities. Our communities will continue to experience this heartbreak in very different ways until those inequalities are properly tackled.