Cardiff, Wales — Public Health Wales has reported a worrying trend in the recent drug-related mortality rates, highlighting that opioids were responsible for more deaths in 2022 than any other substance, emphasizing a persistent public health issue. According to their latest statistics, there were 125 deaths linked to opioids, including heroin and morphine, with other types such as methadone, codeine, and tramadol also contributing significantly.
The upward trajectory of opioid-related fatalities underlines a grimmer aspect of substance abuse across the nation. However, alongside this dark statistic, there’s a silver lining in the rising distribution and use of naloxone, a life-saving antidote for opioid overdoses. Over the past year, this drug was instrumental in reversing 303 overdose incidents in Wales, arguably saving numerous lives in these emergencies.
Since its introduction in 2009, naloxone has increasingly become a crucial tool in combating opioid overdoses. Public Health Wales data shows that more than 6,000 take-home naloxone kits were distributed in 2022-23, a record number indicating a broader acceptance and recognition of its life-saving potential.
Exploring other substances, the report also indicated a concerning increase in cocaine-related deaths, which rose for another consecutive year. Cocaine was found in 52 of the drug misuse fatalities in 2022, marking it as the third deadliest substance after opioids and benzodiazepines. Notably, there has been a spike in cocaine-only deaths, suggesting a shift in usage patterns among users.
The prevalence of polydrug use, which involves the concurrent use of multiple substances, also remains high, contributing to 126 deaths last year. Rick Lines, head of the Substance Misuse Programme at Public Health Wales, described the number of drug-related deaths as “unacceptably high,” highlighting the devastating impact on families and communities throughout the region.
Among different demographics, the majority of drug misuse deaths occurred in individuals over 50, comprising 25% of all fatalities. Meanwhile, there were 13 recorded deaths in individuals under 25, pointing to a widespread issue affecting various age groups.
Wales has historically struggled with higher rates of drug misuse deaths compared to England, consistently since 2003 with few exceptions. The 2022 figures show 71 drug deaths per million people in Wales compared to 53 per million in England, a disparity that underscores the long-standing challenges in addressing drug-related issues in the region.
In regional terms, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot reported the highest rates of drug misuse deaths in 2022, while the lowest figures were seen in Monmouthshire, Flintshire, and Carmarthenshire. The data also revealed a stark contrast in drug deaths between the most deprived and the least deprived areas, with those in the poorest regions being over five times more likely to die from drug misuse.
Despite the grim statistics, the increase in naloxone use and distribution offers a glimmer of hope. Lines noted the essential role of this medication in preventing potential opioid fatalities and its increasing acceptance as a preventive measure.
For those needing assistance, naloxone can be obtained free of charge by contacting Dan 24/7 or visiting their official website, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the opioid crisis and reduce drug-related mortality in Wales.