"Although the figures do show significant improvements in tackling the incidence of drug related deaths, I recognise that there is no room for complacency. We are determined to ensure that more people receive better quality treatment faster than ever before. We will continue to reduce the damage caused by the most dangerous drugs by ensuring that effective treatment is available as soon as it is needed"
By Ashwin, UK Correspondent, [RxPG] Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics for 1999 to 2003 show that drug related deaths fell for the third year in a row to reach their lowest level since 1997. The total reduction since 1999 has been 12% and in young people under the age of 20, deaths from drug misuse fell by almost a third from 2002 to 2003.
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson welcomed today's figures:
"Deaths from drug misuse represent a significant loss of young lives. Many are under 30 and many of these deaths can be avoided. These new figures showing that fewer people have been dying from drug misuse are encouraging and illustrate that the measures put in place to deliver the Action Plan on Drug Related Deaths are helping to save lives.
"Since the Action Plan was published in 2001, our efforts have been focussed on improving the surveillance and monitoring of drug use and improving the access to prescribing treatment for those with drug problems. Accessible information and support is available to young people and their families on the risks associated with drug misuse through the innovative Frank campaign. We are also getting more people in to drug treatment than ever before and this will be boosted by the increase of 55% more funding for Drug Action Teams which will help take forward the positive progress we are already making.
"Although the figures do show significant improvements in tackling the incidence of drug related deaths, I recognise that there is no room for complacency. We are determined to ensure that more people receive better quality treatment faster than ever before. We will continue to reduce the damage caused by the most dangerous drugs by ensuring that effective treatment is available as soon as it is needed."
The report breaks down the information to give death rates for individual substances and groups to reveal that in 2003 :
Deaths linked to methadone fell to their lowest level since 1993.
Deaths linked to heroin or morphine decreased to reach their lowest level since 1997.
Deaths linked to cocaine or amphetamines fell by over 10% in comparison with the previous year.
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1. The report Deaths related to drug poisoning: England and Wales 1999 - 2003 is available on the Office of National Statistics website www.statistics.gov.uk
2. In 1999 the ONS developed a database to facilitate research in to deaths related to drugs which identifies the specific substances involved in these deaths.
3. The National Treatment Agency have responsibility for improving the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England www.nta.nhs.uk
4. In November 2001, the Government published an Action Plan to Reduce Drug-Related Deaths. This defined drug-related deaths as deaths where the underlying cause is poisoning, drug abuse or drug dependence and where any of the substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) are involved. This definition has been adopted across the UK.
5. In September 2004, the Secretary of State for Health announced £219 million to help problematic drug users by investing in drug treatment services which will increase the budget of every Drug Action Team increase by around 55% by 2008.
6. The national Frank helpline, 0800 77 66 00, is for anyone who has questions or issues about drugs. Staffed by trained specialists, the helpline provides the facts on drugs and refer callers to treatment and support organisations.
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