In Wales, opioids continue to be the leading cause of drug misuse deaths, with new figures indicating a concerning trend. Public Health Wales reported that in 2022-23, opioids were responsible for 125 deaths, a figure that underscores the persistent grip of this crisis on the region. Of these deaths, approximately half were related to heroin or morphine use, while the remainder involved other opioids such as methadone, codeine, and tramadol.
Meanwhile, the use of naloxone, an emergency medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, has seen a significant uptick. In the last year alone, naloxone was administered in 303 overdose incidents across Wales, potentially saving hundreds of lives. Distribution of take-home naloxone kits has also expanded, with over 6000 kits provided in 2022-23, marking continued efforts to mitigate the fatal impact of opioids.
Apart from opioids, cocaine also poses a growing challenge. Official statistics show that cocaine was involved in 52 drug misuse deaths in 2022, making it the third most prevalent substance following opioids and benzodiazepines. Notably, the number of deaths exclusively linked to cocaine has risen, while polydrug use, involving multiple substances like heroin and other opioids, contributed to 126 deaths.
The toll of drug misuse is particularly severe in older demographics, with individuals over 50 years old constituting 25% of all drug-related deaths last year. However, younger populations are not untouched, with fatalities recorded among those under 25 years.
The geographical disparity in drug misuse deaths is stark. Regions such as Swansea and Neath Port Talbot reported the highest rates, while areas like Monmouthshire, Flintshire, and Carmarthenshire experienced notably lower rates.
Historically, Wales has often had higher rates of drug misuse deaths compared to England, except in a few sporadic years. In 2022, Wales saw 71 drug deaths per million population, compared to 53 per million in England, with both regions witnessing rising trends over the past two decades.
Social and economic factors also play a critical role in the distribution of these tragedies. Drug misuse deaths were more than five times higher in the most deprived 20% of areas in Wales compared to the least deprived.
Rick Lines, head of the Substance Misuse Programme at Public Health Wales, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The number of deaths from drug-related causes remains unacceptably high in Wales,” he said. “These deaths are tragic and preventable and take a toll on families and communities across the country.”
However, there is a silver lining with increased accessibility to naloxone. “It is encouraging to see more opioid drug deaths being prevented by the use of naloxone and that this vital life-saving medication is being carried by more people in Wales than ever before,” Lines added. He also highlighted that naloxone is available for free by contacting the Dan 24/7 helpline or visiting their website.
The ongoing battle against drug misuse in Wales underscores the need for continuous efforts in prevention, education, and access to life-saving interventions like naloxone. As the community grapples with these challenges, fostering broader societal support remains crucial in combating the epidemic of drug-related deaths.