The number of drug-related deaths across the Isle of Wight has increased by 88% in the past 5 years, new research shows.
Drug-related deaths in England and Wales have reached the highest number since records began back in 1993.
Detailed analysis of Office for National Statistics data by drug addiction treatment experts UKAT shows that across the South East there has been a 12% rise in drug poisoning deaths over 6 years, but that figure is much higher here on the Island.
The ONS report reveals that between 2017-19, drug poisoning deaths on the Isle of Wight reached a high of 49, up from 38 between 2016-18 and up from just 26 in 2014-16. That is an increase of 88% in just 5 years. Between 2007 and 2009 there was 21 deaths, meaning a decade-on-decade increase of 133%.
More men than women are dying from drug poisoning. Men accounted for 69% (34) of all drug poisoning deaths on the Island between 2017-19.
Nuno Albuquerque, Group Treatment Lead at UKAT, comments:
“These ONS figures are saddening but unsurprising. It is here in black and white, the situation is only getting worse for those most vulnerable in society. We urge councils across the South East to invest in effective drug and alcohol services in their 2021 budget to avoid even more loss of life.
“We must remember that these aren’t just numbers; they’re someone’s mother, father, child or friend who has lost their lives to drugs and we can’t stress enough the value of investing in the treatment of addiction.
Article continues below this advertisement “2020 has proven to be a difficult year for many. Some will undoubtedly turn to misusing drugs as a coping mechanism. Our fear is that these figures could tip off the scale in next year’s report unless Councils here take proactive, preventative action today in order to save lives tomorrow.”
That’s what drugs do evil stuff
Well if they are dead they can’t get any more handouts.
Very very true
Always a silver lining,hey? Love it! 🙂
I’m sure they won’t be missed. Dealing scum need to pay the price too though.
But the courts will still give out lenient sentences to the dealers
Most children from the age of 5 up, know the risk. Fact is some would sooner take that risk. So no sympathy, and for a huge proportion, no great loss to the wider world only to their family and close friends, and of course the dealers making money on such idiots.
You know it is really sick society when a teacher grows such. What hope for the children then.
Why not decriminalise these drugs and create safe spaces for these sick people to use safely under professional care. Just as they have done in parts of Scandinavia; where they no longer have problems with drug deaths.
Add to this legalising and taxing Cannabis (which is less dangerous and less of a drain on the NHS compared to alcohol) to fund the care of addicts.
Instead, addicts, who are terribly sick people are stigmatised and are forced to buy drugs of which they will never know the true source or what is in them. All the while, ‘proper’ criminals (Organised crime, people trafficking, gun smuggling etc) are profiting from this death and destruction of life.
The ‘war on drugs’ much like the ‘war on Iraq’ is a war that can not be won.
No ones forcing them to take drugs, it’s their choice and no one else.
Are we surprised with the dregs moving to the island.
Gotta agree with your comment here Ron…….
What about the elderly dregs already here
Weird…i wont be losing no sleep over it
Surely people must know the risks when they put whatever crap they’ve bought into their bodies? Sorry, but I have no sympathy. They don’t have to buy drugs, nobody forces them to take this rubbish. God only knows what the makers of this stuff put in it. Drugs ruin lives, communities, families……why would anyone want to look like sh*t just to get high???? Sad, boring, stupid people, that’s who
Love it. Nature’s cull
Some good news for a change…
I noticed they did not sort out a ratio, like they have for Covid. and also no mention of how the population has increased over the years… I will blame the councils and the housing, sending ‘people’ over here from mainland, when there are plenty here that could do with a council place !
No sympathy only themselves to blame.