Avoidable drug and alcohol deaths continue to rise 

Data published today by the Office of National Statistics has revealed that mortality rate for alcohol-related and drug-related deaths has continued to increase in England and Wales. 

In England, the avoidable mortality rates for alcohol-related and drug-related deaths were 25.9 per 100,000 people in 2022, compared with 21.3 in 2019. In Wales, the rates were 30.2 per 100,000 people in 2022, compared with 24.2 in 2019. 

Under the avoidable mortality definition, alcohol-related and drug-related deaths are all considered preventable. 

Mike Trace, CEO of the Forward Trust and former government drug advisor said;  

“This is a tragedy for every single person who has lost their life and for their loved ones. 

“The publication of these statistics come at a time when we are seeing more dangerous drugs such as nitizenes entering supply chains and increased levels of drug and alcohol addiction post pandemic, this catastrophic public health crisis is not making the headlines it should be. 

“Addiction is a serious mental illness that has a devastating impact on people’s lives. This must be recognised, and serious action taken to reduce the level of avoidable deaths.”