Damning statistics released in October 2024 show drug-related deaths are continuing to rise in Nottingham, with a 217% increase between 2013 and 2023 – despite no change in the amount of drug misuse.
The data, from the Office of National Statistics, states that 124 per 100,000 deaths in Nottingham from 2021-2023 were from drug poisoning, a 24% increase from 100 deaths in the 2020-2022 report.
These findings juxtapose a recent ONS report released on the amount of drug misuse nationwide from 2023-24, which revealed that the numbers are no higher than they were a decade ago.
Drug poisoning deaths aren’t just rising in Nottingham.
It’s a nationwide problem, with the number of drug-poisoning deaths per 100,00 deaths in England and Wales jumping from 2955 in 2013 to 5448 in 2023.
Kieran Grant, Alcohol Pathway Lead for the QMC Drug and Alcohol Liaison Team, says a rise in the use of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is to blame, and called it a ‘crisis’.
“In the last two years, we’ve seen a massive increase in the use of synthetic opioids.
“Synthetic opioids are a lot more potent and it’s really hard to check and make sure the drugs are safe.
“People are dealing drugs without knowing what they really are – it’s all about the supply chain, we don’t know if those drugs have been messed with and contaminated.
“Additionally, we’ve now got an ageing population of drug users, and combining that with the comorbidities of physical health problems, people in Nottingham are dying more.
“A lack of housing, benefits, and overall support has made a perfect storm [for a rise in synthetic opioid use]”
Kieran Grant, QMC + NRN Alcohol Pathway Lead
However, despite the worrying surge in deaths, Nottingham still has one of the lowest rates in the country.
“We have quick access to drug testing, treatment, and opioid substitute therapy. Getting people on opioid substitute therapy is always a good way to prevent deaths.
“We’ve been also going out into the streets trying to get people into treatment, so our numbers (of patients) have gone up.
“Nottingham gets a lot of begging and rough sleeping. A lack of housing, benefits, and overall support has created a perfect storm.
“We’re providing support, but it’s hard when all the wrap-around treatment is virtually non-existent.”
For more information, visit: https://www.nottinghamrecoverynetwork.com/